Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control behavior and attention.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who use them. They work by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.
buy adhd medication uk are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day.
These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is best for you depends on your individual needs. These are prescription drugs however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medication and therapy could be the best option.