Medication For ADHD Isn't As Difficult As You Think
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. They may also make some people irritable or moody however, these effects usually fade with time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one is dependent on the person. These are prescription medications however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as adhd without medication stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best option.