15 Gifts For The Medication For ADHD Lover In Your Life
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults that take it. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually every day, either once or twice. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken every week.
These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your individual needs. These are prescription medications however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. medication for adhd uk iampsychiatry.uk of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and develop 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 disorders. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however, they do not tackle the root causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the most effective approach.