Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. But every person reacts differently to various 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 assists in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who use them. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest that you start low and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They can also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. adhd adults medication and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They can become addicted if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your personal requirements. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate, but they do not tackle the root causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain cases the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.