Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults that take it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once every day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. adhd for adults medication can become angry or moody. However adhd in adults medication tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the person. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage 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 with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.