A Proactive Rant About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that use it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. This is why many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak in a few hours, and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only every week.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health problems, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the individual. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus, but 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 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 methods to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.