20 Things You Need To Be Educated About Medication For ADHD
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medication
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These are prescription medicines however they read more don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and you'll be an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however, they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral 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 with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the most effective approach.