Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they use 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 brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medication
Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants 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 can cause unwanted adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They can also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually disappear over time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your specific requirements. These are prescription medications however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, but they can take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, site web connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the best approach.