20 Amazing Quotes About Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications and adverse effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. adhd medications uk increases the levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus. Stimulant medications Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks. Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day. These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully. Non-stimulant medicine There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is best for you depends on your individual requirements. These are prescription drugs however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels 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 managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve 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 to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best option.