Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. However, adhd adults medication reacts differently to different drugs, and side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps control behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of adults and children who use them. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once per day.
These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally diminish over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents use stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of the dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one depends on the individual. These are prescription medicines however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of them work 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 help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can find 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, but they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some instances the combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach.