17 Signs To Know You Work With Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs, and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once every day.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your personal requirements. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to work and last only 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. In  adult add medication  to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to help their child or adult with ADHD. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.