Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people irritable or moody however, these effects usually fade with time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive.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 used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which adhd medication is best for me quiz one is most suitable for you is determined by your individual needs. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to act and last only 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can i get adhd meds without a diagnosis be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can a general practitioner prescribe adhd medication help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. They can be taught where to get prescribed adhd medication parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from buy adhd medication Online Uk in these areas. In some cases the combination of medications and talk therapy might be the most effective approach.