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 problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week.

These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of other mental health problems, including depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant adhd medication list uk treatments, and the best one depends on the person. These are prescription drugs however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, simply click the next site and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat adhd medication and pregnancy and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an adhd medication Titration coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult adhd medication uk suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best option.