Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and must be taken twice a day. medication for adult add -acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once a week.
These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However medication for adult adhd tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your specific requirements. These are prescription drugs however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the most effective approach.