10 Websites To Help You Become An Expert In Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known 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 medication improves concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. They alter 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 a few hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice a day.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual. These are prescription medications however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. adhd uk medication can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.