Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse effects can be a problem.
medication for adhd in adults is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults that use it. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over a period of time.
Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken every week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your specific needs. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects but they can take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and get matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the best option.