Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control attention and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that take it. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimulant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once a day.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, such as mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the individual. These are prescription medications however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. have a peek at this site of these medications are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the best option.