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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults who use it. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. They may also make people moody or angry however these effects typically fade with time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In add in adults medication can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is best for you depends on your individual requirements. 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 act and last for only 24 hours. Most of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.





Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Take a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the best approach.