Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a group 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 medication
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more focused and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.
adhd in adults medication of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medication
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one depends on the individual. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus, but they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases the combination of medications and talk therapy might be the best option.