15 . Things That Your Boss Would Like You To Know You'd Known About Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But every person reacts differently to various drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the behavior and attention. Stimulant medications Stimulants enhance concentration and attention in 70% to the 80% of adults and children who take them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks. Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week. medication for adult adhd can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and effects. Non-stimulant drugs There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the person. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. Most of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people methods to manage 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 by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some instances it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best approach.