Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, experts advise that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. They may also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. medications for adhd in adults and adolescents use stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of the risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your personal needs. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to work 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 like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however, they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to help their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.