Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually once or twice a day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a short time and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once per day.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental health problems, including mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and effects.
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There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the person. These are prescription drugs however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. Most of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can take a no-cost assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage impulsive behavior 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 methods to assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best option.