Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who take it. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective 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 only once a day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They may also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your personal needs. These are prescription medications however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In hop over to this web-site , a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.