20 Things You Need To Know About Medication For ADHD
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a substance in the brain that helps control attention and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts suggest that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once a week.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health problems, including depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your individual needs. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and talk therapy is the does adhd medication work best option.