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

Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs and the side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. This is why experts advise that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only every week.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally fade with time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that’s best for you depends on your specific needs. These are prescription medicines, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to work and last only 24 hours. Most of these medications are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat adhd medication options (reference) and other mental health issues. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however they don’t solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.