Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once per week.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people moody or angry, but these effects generally diminish over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication for odd and adhd and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is best for you depends on your personal needs. These are prescription medications however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to act and last only 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to get prescribed adhd medication uk to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with adhd medication names list, minecraftcommand.science, improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to get adhd medication uk to manage their impulsive behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.