Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults that take it. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once per week.

These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the individual. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat safest adhd medication for adults and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant uk medication for adhd can help those with managing adhd without medication adults improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.