Medication For ADHD Explained In Less Than 140 Characters
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once a week.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally fade with time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a myriad of non-stimulant website ADHD medications, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These are prescription medications however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying 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 certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.