The 10 Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use 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 several hours. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice daily. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once every day.
These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted if they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual. These are prescription medications however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to work and last only 24 hours. on front page are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however, they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.