Renee Folse

Medication For ADHD - what is the most common adhd medication prescribed Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a few hours and must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once a week.

These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally fade with time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need genetic testing for adhd medications stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your individual needs. These are prescription medicines however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects but they can take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating adhd depression medication and other mental disorders. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best medication for anxiety depression and adhd option.