Medication For ADHD: 11 Things You're Not Doing
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and the side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who use them. They work by altering 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 recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They can also make people irritable or moody however, these effects usually disappear over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
medication for adhd adults -stimulant medicines
There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one is determined by the individual. These are prescription medications, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some instances it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best approach.