Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from strongest adhd medication have their symptoms improved through medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that helps control attention and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who prescribes adhd medication use them. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. The majority are available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice a day.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. They can also make people moody or angry however these effects typically fade with time and are usually controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant best adhd medication for adults with anxiety treatments that are available, and the one that is most common adhd medication uk effective is dependent on the individual. These are prescription medications, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last only 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach.