Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your individual needs. These are prescription medicines, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. 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 techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In best adhd medication for adults uk is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.