11 Ways To Totally Defy Your Medication For ADHD
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs, and side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice every day.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like 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 instances, stimulants may change your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one is dependent on the individual. These are prescription medicines, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less website likely to cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and get connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult with ADHD. In some instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the best approach.