Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of children and adults who take them. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people moody or angry, but these effects generally fade with time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adults and adolescents use these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one is determined by the individual. These are prescription medicines, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 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

Therapy can help someone learn how to get medication for adhd uk to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat generic adhd medications and other mental health disorders. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior 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 with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best medication for adhd combined type approach.