Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest that you start low and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.

Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice every day.

These medications can i get adhd meds without a diagnosis trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over the counter Adhd medication for adults time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your individual requirements. These are prescription medications however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists who specialize in treating adhd medication uk elvanse and other mental illnesses. You can general practitioners prescribe adhd medication find the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an strongest adhd medication for adults coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best option.