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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.

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, including dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Because of this, experts advise that people start low and build up to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and should be taken 3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.





adhd and medication may cause unwanted side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is most appropriate for you is based on your personal requirements. These are prescription medications however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Take a free assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus, but they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage 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 be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best approach.