Medication For ADHD: 11 Things You've Forgotten To Do
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults that use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require a prescription to be obtained. Adults and more info adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is best for you depends on your personal needs. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.