The 10 Scariest Things About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of adults and children who use them. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. This is why experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They can also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually disappear over time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a variety of non prescription adhd medication uk-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the person. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new adhd medication coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat add adhd medications and other mental health issues. Take a free assessment and get adhd medication online connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate, but they do not tackle the root causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach.