Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that helps control behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few 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 medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken every week.
These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make some people moody or angry however, these effects usually diminish 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 In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive.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 other mental disorders, like mania and depression.
adhd medication for adults are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of the risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medication
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the person. These are prescription drugs however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. Most 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
Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. medication for adhd in adults and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best option.