Medication For ADHD: It's Not As Expensive As You Think
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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs 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 behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.
Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day.
These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They can also increase the here risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is best for you depends on your personal needs. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain situations the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.