Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only once per week.
These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
adhd medication for adults uk -stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is best for you depends on your specific needs. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and only last for 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 teach people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.