Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who take them. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak in a few hours, and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are only taken once a week.
These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
most effective adhd medication for adults stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They may become addicted when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medication
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is best adhd medication for women for you depends on your specific needs. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult with adhd medication guanfacine medication intuniv (official website). In some instances it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the best medication for anxiety depression and adhd option.