17 Signs You Are Working With Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs and side effects can be troublesome. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior. Stimulant drugs Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks. Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day. These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You could become more introverted and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, such as mania and depression. adhd medication adults are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects. Non-stimulant medicine There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one is determined by the person. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some instances it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.