Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They alter 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. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.
Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once per day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of the dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects.
adult adhd medication -stimulant medications
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is best for you depends on your specific requirements. These are prescription medicines however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 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 a person learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. Get a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage 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 so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.