Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when 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 raising levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant who prescribes medication for adhd can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Due to this, experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your specific needs. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat adhd medication weight Loss uk adhd medication (https://mozillabd.science/wiki/churchillkamp1391) and other mental health conditions. You can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with adhd medication private prescription reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however, 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 taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. They can general practitioners prescribe adhd medication also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best option.