Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who use them. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. add in adults medication cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of the dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is best for you depends on your personal requirements. These are prescription medicines, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some instances it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.