17 Signs That You Work With Medication For ADHD
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults who use it. They affect 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 begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.
These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is best for you depends on your personal needs. These are prescription medicines however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some check here instances the combination of medication and talk therapy is the best approach.