Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps control behavior and attention.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice per day.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can a general physician prescribe adhd medication cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk cost of adhd medication uk developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.
Non-stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant adhd medication private prescription (top article) medications, and which one is best for you depends on your specific needs. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Take a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. The use cost of adhd medication uk stimulants or non medication treatment for adhd adults-stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus however they don't tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult with adhd medication brands uk. In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the best option.