Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

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

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a short time and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice a day.

These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over the counter adhd medication time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one is determined by 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, but they can take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with the symptoms and [Redirect Only] learn new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior. These methods can be learned through an adhd sleep medication list coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the adult or child with adhd medication in the uk in these areas. In certain instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.