Medication For ADHD's History History Of 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 is different, and side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week.
These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one depends on the person. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. Iam Psychiatry is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however they don't address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.