Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps control behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who use them. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. adhd medication list may also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically fade with time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of 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 an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods 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 assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.