10 Websites To Help You Become An Expert In 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. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that use it. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time 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 side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. medications for adhd might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one depends on the person. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online connects clients with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Take a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In medication for adult adhd to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.