5 Laws Everyone Working In Medication For ADHD Should Know
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. most effective adhd medication for adults affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. They can also make people moody or angry however these effects typically fade with time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your specific requirements. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to work and last only 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the best approach.