Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults who prescribes adhd medication take it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or twice daily. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are only taken once per week.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually fade with time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant Starting Adhd Medication Adults medications, and the one that is most effective adhd medication for adults uk appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. The majority 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 help a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies genetic testing for adhd medications coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat managing adhd without medication and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.