Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulants improve attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of adults and children who use them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.
Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice every day.
best adhd medication for adults uk can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can become addicted if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's most suitable for you is determined by your individual requirements. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects but they can take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Get a free assessment and get matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control 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 to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some instances it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best option.