Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medications improve 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 blood pressure and heart rate, [Redirect-Java] which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.

Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are only taken once per week.

These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the individual. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non Medication Treatment For Adhd Adults-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications 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 someone learn how to get prescribed adhd medication uk to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to get adhd medication without diagnosis to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult with all adhd medications. In certain cases the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.