10 Amazing Graphics About Medication For ADHD

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of other mental health problems, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adults and adolescents use these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of the risks, doctors here are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and to monitor dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one is dependent on the individual. These are prescription drugs however they do not 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 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.