Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who can prescribe medication for adhd take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of the dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are many non-stimulant inattentive adhd medication adults (look at these guys) treatments and the most effective one is determined by the person. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. most common adhd medications of these medications operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can general practitioners prescribe adhd medication help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating adhd over the counter medication uk and other mental disorders. Take a free assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase 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 manage their unpredictable behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some instances it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best option.