Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control attention and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of adults and children who use them. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Due to this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the optimal 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 in a few hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken every week.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted if they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are many non-stimulant adhd medication guanfacine medications, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your personal needs. These are prescription medications however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and learn new adhd Medication Uk coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the adult or child with buy adhd medication online uk in these areas. In some cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best adhd medication for adults uk option.