Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.
Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.
These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people moody or angry, but these effects generally disappear over time and can often be managed by adjusting 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 In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive.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 health problems, including depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require a prescription to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
adhd depression medication -stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one is dependent on the person. These are prescription medications however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Take a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. 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. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In adhd and depression medication , a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best option.