Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults who take it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.
adhd and depression medication are taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally fade with time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You could become more introverted and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your personal needs. These are prescription medications, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they 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
Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of 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 an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the best option.