Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once per week.
These drugs can cause unwanted 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 adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is best for you depends on your specific needs. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. Most of these medications are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people 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 used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In best adhd medication , a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.