Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications and the adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who take it. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.

Stimulant medication for adhd and depression is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make people irritable or moody however, these effects usually fade with time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best medication for inattentive adhd one depends on the individual. These prescription drugs don’t affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to work and only last for a period types of adhd medication uk 24 hours. most effective adhd medication for adults uk of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating adhd medication for Women and other mental illnesses. You can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don’t address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult with inattentive adhd medication adults. In certain instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.