The 10 Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and side effects can be troublesome.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults that take it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over a period of time.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken every week.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a variety of non-stimulant adhd sleep medication list medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help someone learn how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however, they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned through an adhd medications coach or through practice with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult suffering from adhd medication options in these areas. In some instances the combination of medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.