Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from adhd medication pregnancy experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who take it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most effective adhd medication for adults stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a number of non-stimulant Intuniv adhd Medication medicines, and the best medication for anxiety depression and adhd one is determined by the individual. These are prescription medicines however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people methods to manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best approach.