Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class cost of adhd medication uk drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. This is why many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or twice a day. Most are available in both short- and adhd medication titration long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once a day.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

non prescription adhd medication for adults-stimulant medications used for adhd

There are a variety of non-stimulant getting adhd medication uk medications and the most effective one is dependent on the person. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as managing adhd without medication adults stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with Adhd Medication Titration reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the best approach.