Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulants improve attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of adults and children who use them. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.

Stimant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one depends on the individual. These are prescription drugs however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and last only for a period of 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 teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the adult or child with adhd sleep medication list in these areas. In some cases, a combination of uk medication for adhd and therapy is the best approach.