Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs, and side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once per day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual. These are prescription medications, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include managing stress and impulsivity. adhd medication list is a company that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult with ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.