Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of adults and children who take them. They work by altering 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. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over a period of time.
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 peaking in a few hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are only taken once a week.
These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, such as mania and depression.
best adhd medication of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medication
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's best for you depends on your personal requirements. These are prescription medications, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last only for 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
Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those 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 an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult with ADHD. In adhd medication for adults uk of medication and talk therapy may be the best option.