Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. medications for adhd in adults -acting stimulants peak within a few hours and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once per week.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however, they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best option.