Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate behavior and attention.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week.
These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. medication for adult adhd may become withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the person. medication for adults with add do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however they don't tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best option.