The 10 Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps control the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication For adhd and depression

Stimulants enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. This is why many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medications used to treat adhd are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your personal requirements. These are prescription medications however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. most effective adhd medication for adults of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned by an adhd and medication coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the best option.