20 Things You Need To Know About Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and the side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults who take it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.
Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once per week.
These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your individual requirements. These are prescription drugs, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Get a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in just a few 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 don't tackle the root causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication , a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.