Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with mild adhd medication have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can a doctor prescribe adhd Medication without a diagnosis be a problem.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks.

Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken every week.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

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

Non-stimulant medication

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one is determined by the individual. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they do not 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 adhd medication help with memory be learned through an adhd medication uk for adults coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.