How Medication For ADHD Has Changed The History Of Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications, and side effects can be troublesome. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus. Stimulant drugs Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks. Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once a day. These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people moody or angry however these effects typically diminish over time and are usually controlled by adjusting the dosage. In adhd in adults medication , stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects. Non-stimulant medications There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your individual requirements. These are prescription drugs however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases the combination of medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.