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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that helps regulate behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication improves attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dose over several weeks.

Stimant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once a week.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea and a loss of appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually fade with time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require a prescription to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They may become addicted when they aren't taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most appropriate for you is based on your individual needs. These are prescription drugs however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping strategies that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus, but they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice more info with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain instances the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.