Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults who use it. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over the counter adhd medication uk the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of the dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one is dependent on the individual. These are prescription drugs however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach the patient how to Get adhd meds without diagnosis to deal with the symptoms and learn new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat managing adhd without medication and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not tackle the root causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an adhd medication options coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medications prescribed for adhd and talk therapy is the best medication for anxiety depression and adhd option.