Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.

coe-2022.pngMethylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who take them. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once per week.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically fade with time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require a prescription to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

non medication treatment for adhd adults-stimulant medication

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 drugs however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

human-givens-institute-logo.pngTalk therapy can help people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists who specialize in treating get adhd medication online and other mental disorders. Take a free assessment and you'll be an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus, but they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an mild adhd medication coach or through practice with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best approach.