Medication For ADHD: What Nobody Is Discussing

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70% to 80% of adults and children who take them. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over a period of time.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas.  adhd medications uk -acting stimulants peak after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once every day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically fade with time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one depends on the individual. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and get matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best option.