The Reason Why You're Not Succeeding At Medication For ADHD

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. But every person reacts differently to various drugs and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that helps control the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medications

Stimulants enhance concentration and attention in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who use them. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice a day.

These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is best for you depends on your individual requirements. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can click here find the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best option.