Medication For ADHD – what medication is given for adhd Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and the side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that take it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once per day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your specific needs. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus, but they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their unpredictable behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy is the best adhd medication for someone with anxiety (Blogbright’s website) approach.