10 Simple Ways To Figure Out Your Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control attention and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. medication for adults with add suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once per day.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of the risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medication
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These are prescription medicines however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Take a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve 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 so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best approach.