Medication For ADHD Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak in a few hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once a week.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. They may also make some people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are usually controlled by adjusting the dosage. In medications for adhd , stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, such as depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your personal requirements. These are prescription medicines, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus, but they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people methods to manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase 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 learn these methods to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best approach.