10 Websites To Help You Learn To Be An Expert In Medication For ADHD
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults that take it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a few hours and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken every week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your specific requirements. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn get more info how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients 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 completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.