Medication For ADHD Isn't As Tough As You Think
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only every week.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. more info You may become withdrawn, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medicines, and the best one is determined by the person. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 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 to focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. They can be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best approach.