10 Wrong Answers To Common Medication For ADHD Questions Do You Know Which Answers?
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.
Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once per day.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually disappear over time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. add medication adult might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the person. These are prescription medicines however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and get matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.