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

Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and the side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults that use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.

Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant prescribe adhd medication treatments, and the best adhd medication for someone with anxiety one is determined by the individual. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help someone learn How to get adhd medication without diagnosis to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can find the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best option.