Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults that take it. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only once per week.

These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. They can also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and teens genetic testing for adhd medications the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication for adhd and depression, click through the next article, and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These are prescription drugs however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an intuniv adhd medication coach or practiced with a certified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the best adhd medication for women approach.