10 Misconceptions Your Boss Holds About Medication For ADHD Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications, and side effects can be troublesome. Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention. Stimulant medication Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of adults and children who take them. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Many experts suggest that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time. Stimulant medications are consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once every day. These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally fade with time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of adhd and medication , doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and effects. Non-stimulant medications There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your personal requirements. These are prescription medications however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online connects clients with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Take a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In some instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.