Check Out: How Medication For ADHD Is Taking Over And What To Do About It

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. But every person reacts differently to various drugs, and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours.  adhd medication uk buy online  recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week.

These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They can also make people moody or angry, but these effects generally fade with time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is determined by the person. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, but they can 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. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. Take a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best approach.