Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with intuitive adhd medication find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be a problem.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications used for adhd improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once a week.

These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other mental health problems, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and medication for ADHD can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication for autism and adhd and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one depends on the individual. These are prescription drugs, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach people how to get adhd medication uk to deal with the symptoms and medication For adhd learn new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can find the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an inattentive adhd medication adults 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 certain cases it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.