Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with adhd medication online notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once per week.

These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over the counter adhd medication time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one depends on the person. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help someone learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Get a free assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from Adhd Medication Intuniv reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however they don't address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medication and talk therapy is the most common adhd medication uk effective approach.