Medication For ADHD The Process Isn't As Hard As You Think
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention. Stimulant medication Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who take it. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks. Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week. These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of adhd medication uk evaluate the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects. Non-stimulant medications There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the person. These are prescription drugs, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however they don't tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their unpredictable behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the most effective approach.