Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with adhd medication in uk have their symptoms improved by taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is most suitable for you is determined by your personal requirements. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. Most of these medications are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating inattentive adhd medication and other mental illnesses. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined dealing with adhd without medication talk therapy to teach people how to get medication for adhd uk to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an adhd medication names list (over at this website) coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some instances the combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.