What Is Medication For ADHD's History? History Of Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.
Stimulant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once per week.
These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically fade with time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
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 can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and to monitor dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your specific requirements. find more information do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they 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
Therapy can help a person learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however they don't address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the most effective approach.