Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.
adhd medications uk can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults that take it. adhd uk medication affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once a week.
These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually diminish over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive.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 frequently used by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.
Non-stimulant drugs
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's best for you depends on your individual needs. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects but they can take longer to effect and only last for 24 hours. Most of these medications operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.
Psychotherapy
Therapy can teach a person how to cope with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to help their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the best option.