Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who can prescribe adhd medication for adults suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

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

Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a few hours and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They can also make people irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances 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 in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one is determined by the individual. These are prescription drugs however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last only 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can assist a person in learning How To Get Adhd Medication Without Diagnosis to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult with strongest adhd medication. In some cases it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.