15 Secretly Funny People In Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus. Stimulant medication Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who use them. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks. Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken every week. These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people moody or angry however these effects typically disappear over time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and effects. Non-stimulant medicines There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is best for you depends on your specific requirements. These are prescription medicines however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to work and last only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. In medication for adhd adults to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. They can be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain cases, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.