Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who use them. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people irritable or moody however these effects typically fade with time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In medication for adhd in adults , stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one is dependent on the person. These are prescription medicines however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to work and last only 24 hours. Most of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations the combination of medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.