Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who use them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.

Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other mental health problems, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need genetic Testing For adhd medications stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's best for you depends on your personal requirements. These are prescription medicines, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. Get a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however they don't solve the root cause. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can a general practitioner prescribe adhd medication teach someone strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an private adhd medication cost coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best approach.