Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse reactions can you get adhd medication without a diagnosis (click through the next article) be problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only once a week.

These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a variety of non-stimulant adhd medication names list medicines, and the best one is determined by the person. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. Most 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

Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping with adhd without medication techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating all adhd medications and other mental conditions. Get a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however 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 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 trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain cases, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.