Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They may become addicted when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

non prescription adhd medication-stimulant medicine

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your personal needs. These are prescription medicines, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with uk adhd medication reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an natural adhd medication coach or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult who suffers from safest adhd medication for adults. In some instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best medication for inattentive adhd option.