The 10 Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs, and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Because of this, 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 at least once or twice per day. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.

These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They may become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one depends on the individual. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine within the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication 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 treatments can teach people strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions.  how to treat adhd without medication in adults  can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best option.