Medication For ADHD: 11 Things You've Forgotten To Do
Wiki Article
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults that use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. 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 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.
These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They can also make people moody or angry, but these effects generally diminish over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medication
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one is dependent on the person. These are prescription medications, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. 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 those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people methods to manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage more info their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the most effective approach.