Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. But every person reacts differently to different adhd medications drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.

Stimant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only every week.

These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication for odd and adhd (this content) and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one depends on the individual. These are prescription medicines however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly most effective adhd medication for adults by increasing the levels of norepinephrine 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 manage symptoms and learn new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating private adhd assessment medway and other mental illnesses. Take a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, but they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.