Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that take it. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts advise that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.
Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once per day.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your personal requirements. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. adhd depression medication -stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.