The Reasons You're Not Successing At Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control attention and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulants enhance concentration and attention in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medications are consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically fade with time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents use stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction 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 be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual.  adult add medications I Am Psychiatry  are prescription drugs, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.