10 Misconceptions That Your Boss May Have Concerning Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and attention. Stimulant medication Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who use them. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks. Stimulant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week. These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. adult add medications might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of the dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely. Non-stimulant medication There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one is determined by the individual. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some instances the combination of medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.