Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that take it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.

Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice every day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other mental health problems, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a myriad of non-stimulant add adhd medications medications available, and the one that is best for you depends on your personal needs. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. Most of them work 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 teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non prescription adhd medication uk-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an Adhd Over The Counter Medication Uk coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is suggested to combine medication for inattentive adhd and anxiety and therapy could be the best option.