Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.
adult adhd treatments improves concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually once or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day.
These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people moody or angry, but these effects generally diminish over time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently used 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 monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations the combination of medications and talk therapy might be the best option.