Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that use it. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the counter adhd medication uk the course of several weeks.
Stimant medication for adhd and bipolar is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. 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 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.
These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are many non-stimulant Generic adhd medications medications available, and the one that is best for you depends on your personal requirements. These are prescription medications, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. Take a free assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however they don't address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult with concerta adhd medication. In some instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.