Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?<br /><br /><br /><br />Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem.<br /><br />Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a brain chemical that regulates the behavior and focus.<br /><br />Stimulant medications<br /><br />Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts advise that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.<br /><br />Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually once or twice a day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/">add medication adults I Am Psychiatry</a> -acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once per week.<br /><br />These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like depression and mania.<br /><br />The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require a prescription to be obtained. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.<br /><br />Non-stimulant medicines<br /><br />There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines, and the best one is determined by the individual. These are prescription medications however they don't act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and last only for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.<br /><br />Psychotherapy<br /><br />Therapy can teach a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can take a no-cost assessment and get matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage impulsive behavior 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 assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.<br /><br />