Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and the adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, click the following internet page trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over a period of time.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a few hours and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once per week.
These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require a prescription to be obtained. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your individual needs. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach.