Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications, and side effects can be troublesome.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulants enhance concentration and attention in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.

Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once per day.

These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally diminish over time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

non prescription adhd medication-stimulant drugs

There are many non-stimulant adhd medication guide medication options, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your personal needs. These are prescription medicines however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to get medication for adhd uk to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an adhd medication making it worse coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best option.