17 Signs To Know If You Work With Medication For ADHD

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control attention and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once every day.

These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They may become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is best for you depends on your specific needs. These prescription medications do not 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 these medications operate by increasing the amount 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 deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp website is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their unpredictable behavior. 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 to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best option.