Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications and the side effects can be troublesome.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that use it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.
Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. most effective adhd medication for adults -acting stimulants peak after a short time and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can 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 In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive.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 can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is best for you depends on your individual needs. These are prescription medicines however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. buy adhd medication uk includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help a person learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy is the best option.