What's The Reason You're Failing At Medication For ADHD

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 drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.

Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week.

These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more focused and rigid.  adhd medication adults  can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents use these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted if they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your personal needs. These are prescription medications however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best option.