Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and the adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of adults and children who use them. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most common adhd medications effective after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once every day.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. They can also make people moody or angry however these effects typically diminish over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a number of non-stimulant adhd medication and pregnancy uk treatments and the most effective one is dependent on the person. These are prescription drugs however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. The majority 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 assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can get matched to an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from buy adhd medication online uk improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the child or adult suffering from adhd medication prescription uk in these areas. In certain situations, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best medication for adhd approach.