Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates the behavior and focus.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults who take it. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. This is why many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.

Stimant medications Are Adhd Meds Covered By Ohip taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make people irritable or moody however these effects typically fade with time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

non amphetamine adhd medication-stimulant drugs

There are a number of non-stimulant inattentive adhd medication medicines and the most effective one is dependent on the individual. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to work and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Take a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however, they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined 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. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from treat adhd without medication adults in these areas. In some cases the combination of medications and talk therapy might be the best over the counter adhd medication for adults option.