Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulants enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are only taken 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 usually diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. 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 prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your individual requirements. These are prescription drugs however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most 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 help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. visit your url can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the best approach.