Medication For ADHD - what is the most common adhd medication prescribed Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults that use it. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.

Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once per day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents use stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a number of non-stimulant starting adhd medication adults medications that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the person. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating does adhd medication work and other mental conditions. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from Common Adhd medications improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.