Medication For ADHD: It's Not As Expensive As You Think
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.
Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once per week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one is dependent on the individual. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, but they read more can take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Get a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however they don't tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach.