7 Simple Strategies To Totally Rocking Your Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior. Stimulant medications Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults who use it. They alter neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks. Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are medication for adult adhd -acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once a day. These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects. Non-stimulant medicines There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the individual. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior 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. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some instances the combination of medication and therapy is the best option.