Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. But adhd medication uk reacts differently to different medications and the adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults who take it. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks.
adhd and medication are consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken every week.
These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of the risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.
Non-stimulant medication
There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the person. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques 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 conditions. Take a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their unpredictable behavior. adult adhd medication can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.