17 Reasons You Shouldn't Not Ignore Medication For ADHD
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control attention and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention 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 rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They may also make people irritable or moody however, these effects usually fade with time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the individual. These are prescription medications however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last only for 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 a person learn how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations, a combination between medications and click here talk therapy might be the most effective approach.