Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs, and side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who take them. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. adhd and medication is why experts advise that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects 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 can cause undesirable side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is best for you depends on your specific requirements. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only 24 hours. Most of these medications 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 strategies, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Take a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.