Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
add medication adults suffering from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs and the side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps control behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Because of this, experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak 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 only once a day.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. They can also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally fade with time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of the dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual. These are prescription drugs however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Take a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medication and therapy could be the best option.
