10 No-Fuss Methods For Figuring Out Your Medication For ADHD

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medications

Stimulants enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who use them. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.

Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a few hours and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are only taken once a week.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They can also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually disappear over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications check here available, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your individual needs. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. Most of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Take a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases it is suggested to combine medication and therapy could be the best approach.