Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects? Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate the behavior and focus. Stimulant medications Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who take it. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks. Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and should be taken 3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day. These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. add medication adults can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including depression and mania. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully. Non-stimulant drugs There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's best for you depends on your personal needs. These are prescription medicines however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects but they can take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine within the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. Get a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best option.
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