Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications and the side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.

Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once every day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. They may also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally diminish over time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can you Get Adhd medication without a diagnosis uk cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non stimulant adhd medication uk-stimulant adhd medication names uk medications, and which adhd medication is the best one is most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best adhd medication for adults with anxiety and depression approach.