The 10 Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse 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 drugs improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who take them. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for 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 between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once per day.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people irritable or moody however, these effects usually disappear over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You could become more introverted and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents use stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your specific requirements. These are prescription medicines however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new adhd medication uk coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online adhd medication assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications used for adhd can a general practitioner prescribe adhd medication assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however they don't tackle the root causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult with adhd and anxiety medication in these areas. In some cases it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.