medication given for adhd - learn more about Jasperwiki, For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications used for adhd improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over the counter adhd medication a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They can also make people irritable or moody however these effects typically disappear over time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, such as mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents use them to enhance performance. They can become addicted when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medicines, and the best one is determined by the person. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can take a no-cost assessment and be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with adhd without medication improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an adhd medication online uk coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medications and talk therapy is the most effective approach.