11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your Medication For ADHD
most effective adhd medication for adults For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over a period of time.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once a week.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally diminish over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. most effective adhd medication for adults are frequently misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your individual requirements. These are prescription medicines however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Take a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.