Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that take it. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.
These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. related internet page may also make some people moody or angry however, these effects usually diminish over time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. similar web-site can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the person. These are prescription medicines, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Get a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to 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 learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best option.