Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

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

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of adults and children who use them. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.

Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once per week.

These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more focused and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your individual needs. These are prescription medicines however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating best adhd medication for adults uk (www.nlvbang.com) and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can you get adhd medication without a diagnosis uk assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned by an adhd medication options coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. They can my general practitioner prescribe adhd medication also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.