Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.
Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week.
These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. click the up coming website page are frequently misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medication
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one depends on the person. These are prescription medications, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however, they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.