10 Things We Do Not Like About Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulants improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day.
These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually diminish over time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is best for you depends on your individual needs. medications for adhd uk do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can find the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control 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 qualified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some instances the combination of medication and therapy is the best option.
