Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken every week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They may also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually fade with time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require a prescription to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. adhd medication list can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your personal needs. These are prescription medicines however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best option.
