5 Conspiracy Theories About Medication For ADHD You Should Stay Clear Of
Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and the adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention. Stimulant drugs Stimulants improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of adults and children who use them. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. medications for adhd uk recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks. Stimulant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day. These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as depression and mania. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and effects. Non-stimulant medications There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one depends on the individual. These are prescription drugs however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most 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 help a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage 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 by a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some instances it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best option.