5 Myths About Medication For ADHD That You Should Stay Clear Of
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs, and side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice per day.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted when they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your personal requirements. These are prescription drugs however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and last only for a period of 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
Therapy can teach people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate, but they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies more info can teach someone strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the best option.