The 10 Most Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults that use it. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts suggest that you start low and gradually increase the dose over a period of time.

Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice daily. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non stimulant adhd medication list-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the person. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can a doctor prescribe adhd medication help someone learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with adhd medication options reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however they don't solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an all adhd medications coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best option.