Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that helps control behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80% of adults and children who use them. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once a day.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. They may also make some people moody or angry however, these effects usually fade with time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.


Non-stimulant medicines

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is best for you depends on your personal needs. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications operate by increasing the amount 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 learn new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. adult adhd treatments iampsychiatry.uk or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve 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 someone methods to manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.