Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults that use it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, medication for adult add cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. This is why experts advise that people start low and build up to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once per day.
These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, such as mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your personal needs. These are prescription medicines, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
medications for adhd
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus, but they do not tackle the root causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best option.