Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who take them. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Due to this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once per day.
medication for adult adhd can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is best for you depends on your individual needs. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to work and last only 24 hours. Most of these medications operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best approach.