The 10 Most Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people suffering from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior. Stimulant medication Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect 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. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over a period of time. Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once a day. These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. add in adults medication may also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and are usually controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction when 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 be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects. Non-stimulant medication There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is best for you depends on your specific requirements. These are prescription medications, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches 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. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not tackle the root causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.