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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they take medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic.

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

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.

Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of 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 drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. They may also make some people moody or angry, but these effects generally fade with time and can often be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medication

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one is determined by the individual. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support check here the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the most effective approach.