Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who prescribes medication for adhd - More suggestions - use them. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once per week.

These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your specific needs. These are prescription medicines however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat adhd anxiety medication and other mental health issues. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but 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 meds without diagnosis to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned through an adhd medication uk for adults coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.