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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once per day.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more check here rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

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

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and you'll be an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the best option.