Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with concerta adhd medication experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. This is why many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are both 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 per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. They may also make people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually fade with time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more focused and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances that require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are many non-stimulant adhd medication names list medicines and the most effective one is determined by the person. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can my general practitioner prescribe adhd medication teach a person methods to manage impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an adhd medication names uk coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to assist their child or adult adhd medication uk with adhd medication options. In some cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the most effective approach.