A Proactive Rant About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention. Stimulant medication Stimulants enhance concentration and attention in 70% to 80% of adults and children who use them. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. medications for adhd in adults cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. medication for adult add of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks. Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day. These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects. Non-stimulant medication There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your specific requirements. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however they don't solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the best approach.