10 Things We Are Hating About Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse effects can be a problem.
iampsychiatry.uk is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. This is why experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over a period of 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 stimulants peak in a few hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one depends on the individual. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Take a free assessment and get matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate, but they do not tackle the root 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 methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best approach.