Gwendolyn Sancho
Blog entry by Gwendolyn Sancho
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people suffering from generic adhd medications experience a reduction in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior.
Stimulant medication
Stimulants improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of adults and children who use them. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.
Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once every day.
These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. They can also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually diminish over time and can often be managed by altering the dosage. In some instances stimulants can doctors prescribe adhd medication trigger changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.
Non-stimulant medicines
There are many non-stimulant liquid adhd medication uk medications, and the one that's best for you depends on your specific needs. These prescription drugs do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however they may take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help people with adhd medications for adults with anxiety reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their unpredictable behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best option.