Medication For ADHD: 11 Thing You're Forgetting To Do

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulants improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of adults and children who use them. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.

Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once a day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make some people moody or angry however these effects typically fade with time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications and the most effective one is dependent on the individual. These prescription drugs do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to kick in and last for only 24 hours. Most of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. Take a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. adhd medication uk The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their unpredictable behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best approach.