Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. This is why experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.
adhd medication list is consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and they must be taken twice daily. most effective adhd medication for adults -acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once per week.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one is dependent on the person. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. 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. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.