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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who use them. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They can become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medications


There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your personal requirements. These are prescription medicines, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. go contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and get matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to help their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances the combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.

Member since: Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Website: https://cantrell-choi.hubstack.net/10-things-we-all-hate-about-medication-for-adhd

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