17 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Avoid Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. But medication for adhd adults reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention. Stimulant medication Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who take it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks. Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only once a week. These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They can also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally fade with 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 In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. medication for adhd adults may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects. Non-stimulant medications There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one is dependent on the individual. These are prescription medicines however they don't 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 only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best option.