Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.
adhd and depression medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults that take it. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger 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 the dose over a period of time.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day.
These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people moody or angry however these effects typically disappear over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your individual needs. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and last only for a period of 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
Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free 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 some of the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.