11 Strategies To Completely Block Your Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults that take it. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.
Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week.
These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of the dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor 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 individual. These are prescription drugs, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. adhd medication adults can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances the combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.