10 Simple Ways To Figure Out Your Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. But how to treat adhd without medication in adults reacts differently to different medications, and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can 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 be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your personal needs. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best approach.