Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

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

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually fade with time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are often misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is best for you depends on your personal requirements. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. Most of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who prescribes adhd medication are trained to treat adhd stimulant medication and other mental health disorders. You Can A General Physician Prescribe Adhd Medication find the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication for autism and adhd and therapy could be the best approach.