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

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem.

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

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Because of this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a few hours and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once per week.

These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. They may also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the person. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are website less likely to cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the most effective approach.