Medication For ADHD: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who take it. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over a period of time.
Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice every day.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the person. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help people how to deal with the symptoms and more info learn new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness 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 through practice with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medications and talk therapy might be the most effective approach.