hopewalk8

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic. Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention. Stimulant medications Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks. Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day. These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects. Non-stimulant medication There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one is determined by the person. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to work and last only 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). managing adhd without medication iampsychiatry.uk Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.