The 10 Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD

medication for strongest adhd medication for adults - have a peek here, - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who use them. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your specific requirements. These are prescription medications, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help someone learn how adhd medication works to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best over the counter adhd medication for adults approach.