Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and the side effects can be troublesome.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant Medications prescribed for adhd improve attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who use them. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.

Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are many non-stimulant adhd inattentive type medication treatments, and the best medication for adhd one is dependent on the individual. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are 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 help those with adhd medication over the counter uk reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however they don't tackle the root causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an adhd medication guanfacine coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult with adhd medication in these areas. In certain instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.