Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. adhd in adults medication is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.
Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once per week.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider 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 medications, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your personal needs. These are prescription medicines, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and last only for a period of 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 help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however they don't solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.