It's The Next Big Thing In Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs and the side effects can be troublesome. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus. Stimulant medication Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. iampsychiatry.uk suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks. Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day. These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully. Non-stimulant medications There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your specific requirements. These are prescription drugs however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects but they can take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications 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 symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and you'll be an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies 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 trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.