Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a number of non-stimulant Adhd medication Without prescribing treatments, and the best one is determined by the individual. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however they may take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat uk adhd medication and other mental health issues. Get a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with adhd medication uk for adults reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult with adhd over the counter medication uk. In some cases the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.