Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. This is why many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once a week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and are usually controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health problems, including mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one depends on the person. These are prescription medications however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however, they do not tackle the root causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. most effective adhd medication for adults can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases the combination of medications and talk therapy might be the best option.