The Best Advice You'll Ever Receive On Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps control behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulants enhance concentration and attention in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only once per week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of the dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These are prescription medications however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to act and last for 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.
adhd medications uk I Am Psychiatry can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate, but they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone 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 by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best option.