Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults that take it. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants are most effective 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 every day.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. add in adults medication can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one depends on the person. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. Most of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. add in adults medication includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.