Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication given for adhd. But every person reacts differently to different medications, and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of children and adults Who can prescribe adhd medication take them. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.

Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for adhd medication names uk 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. They may also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually diminish over time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted when they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a number of non-stimulant adhd uk medication treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the individual. These are prescription medications, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to act and last only 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new adhd medication coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases the combination of medications and talk therapy might be the most effective approach.