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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are only taken once a week.

These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. They can also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually diminish over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they could result in 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 medicine

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is best for you depends on your individual needs. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new adhd medication coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat adhd without medication adults adhd medication uk buy online (learn this here now) and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from managing adhd without medication adults reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their unpredictable behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain instances the combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach.