10 Things You Learned In Kindergarden To Help You Get Started 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. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.

medications for adhd in adults  is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who take them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require a prescription to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your specific needs. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best approach.