medications for adhd uk For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications and the adverse effects can be a problem.
Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus.
Stimulant drugs
Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults who use it. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. adhd without medication cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.
Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once per week.
These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like nausea, insomnia and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medications
There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one depends on the person. These are prescription medications however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. adhd depression medication -stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.