Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who use them. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
iampsychiatry is typically taken orally, one or two times a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once every day.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically fade with time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's best for you depends on your specific requirements. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified 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 some instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.