Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. But adhd medications for adults reacts differently to various drugs, and side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults who take it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. adhd medication side effects -acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. They can also make people moody or angry however these effects typically disappear over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and effects.
adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication -stimulant medicines
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one depends on the individual. These are prescription drugs however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some instances the combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach.