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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. But every person reacts differently to various drugs and adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling attention and behavior. Stimulant medication Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. This is why many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over the course 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 within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day. These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However adhd anxiety medication diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are frequently misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors are very careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and side effects carefully. Non-stimulant medicines There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one is determined by the person. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can teach people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can find the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain instances, a combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.