Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps control the behavior and focus.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who take them. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.
Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or twice daily. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only once a week.
These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of the risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing 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 medication options, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your individual needs. These are prescription drugs however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a service that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can take a no-cost assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. best adhd medication for adults uk of stimulants or non-stimulants can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however they don't tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. best adhd medication for adults uk can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain cases the combination of medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.