Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase 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 the dosage over the course of several weeks.
Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.
These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. They can also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually disappear over time and are usually controlled by adjusting the dosage. In adhd medication for adults can cause changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one depends on the individual. These are prescription medicines however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. Get a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however they don't solve the root cause. In adhd medication for adults to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach.