Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?<br /><br />Many people with ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be problematic.<br /><br />Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention.<br /><br />Stimulant medications<br /><br />Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% children and adults that use it. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Because of this, experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.<br /><br />Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically every day, either once or twice. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week.<br /><br />These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. They may also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually fade with time and are usually managed by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted and sluggish, or obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like depression and mania.<br /><br />Most stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of the dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and effects.<br /><br /><br /><br />Non-stimulant medications<br /><br />There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one is determined by the person. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. Most of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.<br /><br />Psychotherapy<br /><br />Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/">I Am Psychiatry</a> can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the best option.<br /><br />