add medication adult For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that helps control behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice every day.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your personal requirements. These are prescription medications however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Get a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however they don't address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.