A Productive Rant About Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications and the side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulants enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Many experts suggest that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week.

These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a variety of non-stimulant uk adhd medication medications, and the one that's best for you depends on your personal requirements. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however, they take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how to get adhd meds without diagnosis to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating adhd medication Uk For adults and other mental illnesses. Get a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can a doctor prescribe adhd medication help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus, but they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain instances the combination of medication and therapy is the best option.