Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be problematic.

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

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.

Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make people irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over the counter adhd medication for adults time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a number of non-stimulant adhd medication how does It work treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual. These are prescription medicines however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects but they can take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and develop new adhd medication coping strategies, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who can prescribe adhd medication are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve 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 methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best option.