The Next Big Thing In Medication For ADHD

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who take it. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase 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 the course of several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once every day.

These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one depends on the person. These are prescription medicines however they do not affect the same brain chemicals get more info as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.