20 Quotes That Will Help You Understand Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take 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 is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once per day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, medication for adult add diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medication
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one is dependent on the individual. These are prescription drugs however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free 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 tackle the root causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage an impulsive personality 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 so they can assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best option.
