Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults who take it. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several 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 every day, either once or twice. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once a week.
These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. adhd medication list may become withdrawn, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines, and the best one is determined by the individual. These are prescription drugs, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to act and last only 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however, they do not tackle the root causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best option.
