Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. This is why many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or two times a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once per week.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. adhd without medication may also make people irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of the dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your personal requirements. These are prescription drugs, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Take a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medication and therapy could be the best option.