Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults that take it. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only once per week.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. watch this video can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, such as mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your individual requirements. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases the combination of medications and talk therapy might be the most effective approach.
