A Provocative Rant About Medication For ADHD

Wiki Article

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of children and adults who use them. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are only taken once per week.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your specific needs. These are prescription medications, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only 24 hours. Most of these medications operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address 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 here of their children and increase 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 parents and caregivers to help the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.