Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior. Stimulant medication Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over a period of weeks. Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once a week. These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However adhd treatment without medication tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully. Non-stimulant medicine There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one depends on the individual. These are prescription drugs however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however they don't tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the most effective approach.
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