10 Things We Hate About Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. They can also make people irritable or moody however, these effects usually diminish over time and are usually controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your personal needs. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. adhd depression medication -stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase 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 learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.