best adhd medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of adults and children who take them. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. They can also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally diminish over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They can become addicted if they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however they don't tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.