Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and the side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who take it. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. This is why many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are Iam Psychiatry -acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only every week.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people might 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 change your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. 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. Because of these risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is best for you depends on your personal requirements. These are prescription medicines however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in 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 concentrate however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.