Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and side effects can a general physician prescribe adhd medication be troublesome.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who take them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest that you start low and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.

Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice every day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They may also make people moody or angry, but these effects generally fade with time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require a prescription to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective adhd medication for adults uk effective is dependent on the individual. These are prescription medications however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills like stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. non prescription adhd medication uk-stimulant or stimulant medications can a doctor prescribe adhd medication (similar web-site) help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however, they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.