Lenora Laurantus

best medication for adhd and anxiety For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem.

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

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who take them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once per week.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one is dependent on the individual. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online adhd medication, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how adhd medication works to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned through an stopping adhd medication weekends adults coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the adult or child with Generic Adhd Medications in these areas. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.