10 Websites To Help You Learn To Be An Expert In Medication For ADHD
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?
Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic.
Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that regulates behavior and attention.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of adults and children who use them. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.
Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or two times a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week.
These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.
how to get adhd medication uk I Am Psychiatry of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction if they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of these risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and effects.
Non-stimulant medicine
There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is best for you depends on your personal needs. These are prescription drugs however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).
Psychotherapy
Therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced by a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.