Watch Out: How Medication For ADHD Is Gaining Ground And What We Can Do About It
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Due to this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.
best adhd medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken every week.
These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one is determined by the individual. These are prescription drugs however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. best adhd medication -stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases the combination of medication and talk therapy is the best approach.