17 Reasons Why You Should Be Ignoring Medication For ADHD

Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. But every person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of children and adults who take them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medications are consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once per 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 altering the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more obsessive and rigid. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a myriad of non-stimulant uk adhd medication medications, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your personal requirements. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects but they can take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can take a no-cost assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from does adhd medication work improve their ability to focus and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a qualified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult adhd medication uk with ADHD in these areas. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medication for inattentive adhd and anxiety and talk therapy may be the best option.