Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects? Many people suffering from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that helps control attention and behavior. Stimulant medication Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks. Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once every day. These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You might become more withdrawn or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects. Non-stimulant medications There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one depends on the individual. add medication adults are prescription drugs however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can take a no-cost assessment and be matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however they don't address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.
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