nicbranch9

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. medications for adhd in adults is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that helps control attention and behavior. Stimulant drugs Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Due to this, experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over a period of weeks. Stimant medications are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and should be taken 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 side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health problems, including depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely. Non-stimulant medicines There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your individual needs. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. The majority 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 cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the best approach.