The Next Big Thing In Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. But every person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention. Stimulant medication Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that take it. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks. Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week. These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects. Non-stimulant medicines There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the person. These are prescription medications however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get adhd and medication and you'll be an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate, but they do not tackle the root causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage 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. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain situations the combination of medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.