10 Beautiful Images Of Medication For ADHD
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 are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who take it. They alter neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.
These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of the dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one depends on the person. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in 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 their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In adhd and medication to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.