10 Things We All Hate About Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the behavior and attention. Stimulant medications Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults who take it. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks. Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once per day. medication for adhd can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely. Non-stimulant drugs There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your personal requirements. These are prescription medicines, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most 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 how to cope with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.