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 have their symptoms improved by taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who use them. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Due to this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and keep track read more of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. Most of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the best option.