Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be problematic.

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 attention and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of adults and children who use them. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people moody or angry however, these effects usually disappear over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant best medication for anxiety depression and adhd and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a variety of non-stimulant adhd stimulant medication medications available, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your personal requirements. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and last only for 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 deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating adhd medication adderall uk and other mental disorders. Get a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however, they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the best over the counter adhd medication for adults approach.