The Next Big Thing In Medication For ADHD

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that take it. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.

Stimant medications are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually fade with time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your individual needs. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, but they can take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however they don't solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or adhd medication pregnancy child with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.