This Is The New Big Thing In Medication For ADHD

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause 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 several weeks.

Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice a day.

These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They can become addicted if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one is dependent on the person. These are prescription medications however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to help their child or adult click here with ADHD. In some instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the best option.