20 Quotes Of Wisdom About 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 with medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side 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 aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70% to 80% of adults and children who use them. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest that you start low and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.

Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They may also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally fade with time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your specific needs. These are prescription medications however they click here do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. They can be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication and therapy could be the best approach.