Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulants improve attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. for beginners cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day.
These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually diminish over time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the person. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them 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 certain instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.