Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with all adhd medications have their symptoms improved through medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be problematic.

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

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.

Stimant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally diminish over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health problems, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the person. These are prescription medications used for Adhd however they do not 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 only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from liquid adhd medication uk reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however, they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to assist their child or adult adhd medication uk who suffers from ADHD. In some cases it is suggested to combine medication and therapy could be the best option.