Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They alter neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only once per week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.
simply click the following post of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction if they are not used properly or as prescribed. adult adhd treatments to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines, and the best one is dependent on the person. These are prescription medications however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can find the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control 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. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some instances the combination of medication and therapy is the best approach.