Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. medication adhd adults is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually once or twice a day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once per day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. They may also make people irritable or moody however, these effects usually disappear over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter 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, including depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They can become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your individual needs. These are prescription medications however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. medication for add adults -stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels 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 techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.