Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who take it. They alter neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects 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 twice a day.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of the risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's best for you depends on your specific requirements. These are prescription medicines however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. visit the following website can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some instances it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best approach.