Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Due to this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are I Am Psychiatry -acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your personal needs. These are prescription medicines however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs operate by increasing the amount 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 strategies, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however they don't address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness 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 practicing them with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the best option.