15 Lessons Your Boss Would Like You To Know You Knew About Medication For ADHD

medication adhd adults For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates the behavior and focus. Stimulant medication Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who use them. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks. Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once every day. These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people irritable or moody however, these effects usually diminish over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and effects. Non-stimulant drugs There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can teach people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.