Medication For ADHD Isn't As Tough As You Think
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus. Stimulant medication Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults that use it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase 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. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once per day. These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people moody or angry however these effects typically fade with time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. most effective adhd medication for adults and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and adverse effects closely. Non-stimulant medications There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one is determined by the individual. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach.