Medication For ADHD The Process Isn't As Hard As You Think
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They work by altering 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 several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only every week.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. Adolescents and adults misuse these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your personal requirements. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects but they can take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. visit the following page -stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however they don't tackle the root causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some instances it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best approach.
