Medication For ADHD - what medications are prescribed for adhd Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent 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 for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medications used for adhd are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once every day.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing 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 can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the person. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Take a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from common adhd medications uk improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who can prescribe medication for adhd suffers from Adhd Medication For Women. In some instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.