These Are The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Medication For ADHD
Wiki Article
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults who take it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.
Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.
These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your specific requirements. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the read more brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online connects clients with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best approach.