Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults that take it. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dose over a period of time.

Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a variety of non-stimulant adhd Medication guanfacine - Consultant-psychiatrist79796.wikijm.Com, medications available, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your individual needs. These are prescription drugs, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how does adhd medication work for adults to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult with intuniv adhd medication in these areas. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medication for adhd and odd and therapy could be the best medication for inattentive adhd approach.