Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

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

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who take it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak in a few hours, and must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once a week.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a number of non-stimulant adhd medication over the counter uk medications that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the person. These are prescription medicines however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating Cheapest Adhd Medication and other mental conditions. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with treat adhd without medication adults improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an adhd medication adults uk coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain situations the combination of medication and therapy could be the best approach.