Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. adhd and medication -acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is best for you depends on your specific needs. These are prescription drugs however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Get a free assessment and you'll be an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.