10 Things Everyone Has To Say About Medication For ADHD
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once per week.
These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally fade with time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by 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, but they can take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. 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 solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness 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 more info therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances the combination of medication and therapy is the best option.