Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice a day. buy adhd medication uk -acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once per week.
These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You could become more introverted and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including depression and mania.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents use these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction if they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your individual needs. These are prescription medicines however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to work and last only 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
Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however, they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.