Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who use it. They alter neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice every day.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are many non-stimulant add adhd medications treatments, and the best one is determined by the individual. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help the patient how to get adhd medication without diagnosis, Main Page, to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Take a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in just a few hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however they don't 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 techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best option.