Think You're Cut Out For Doing Medication For ADHD? Take This Quiz

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

adhd anxiety medication  improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults that take it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over a period of time.

Stimulant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas.  adhd anxiety medication -acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's best for you depends on your individual requirements. These are prescription drugs however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, but they can take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however they don't tackle the root causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior 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 trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the best option.