Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults that use it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only every week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people moody or angry however, these effects usually disappear over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. most effective adhd medication for adults may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your specific requirements. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. most effective adhd medication for adults work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however they don't tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some instances the combination of medication and therapy is the best option.