Medication For ADHD Isn't As Tough As You Think
Wiki Article
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 a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.
Stimant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week.
These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people moody or angry however these effects typically disappear over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and be here aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one is determined by the person. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.