Medication For ADHD: What Nobody Has Discussed
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.
Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice a day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak in a few hours, and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only every week.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. 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 risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one is determined by the individual. These are prescription drugs however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to work and last for 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 cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Take a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. related internet page can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the best approach.