The 10 Most Terrifying Things About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day.

These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. 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 may change your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a number of non amphetamine adhd medication-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best non stimulant adhd medication for adults one depends on the individual. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can find the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however they don't address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to get prescribed adhd medication uk to manage their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some instances the combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.