10 Inspirational Graphics About Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who take it. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak in a few hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of the dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your specific needs. These are prescription drugs however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can take a no-cost assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.