Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from treat adhd without medication adults find their symptoms improve by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.

Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or twice daily. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your specific requirements. These are prescription medications however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online connects clients with licensed therapists who specialize in treating adhd medication list and other mental conditions. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications prescribed for adhd can help people with adhd anxiety medication improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and talk therapy is the most common adhd medication uk effective approach.