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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and the adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior. Stimulant medications Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of children and adults who take them. They work by altering neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks. adhd and medication is typically taken orally, one or twice a day. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are taken only once a week. These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more focused and rigid. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects. Non-stimulant medication There are many non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one is dependent on the person. These are prescription medicines however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer negative effects, but take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however, they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some instances the combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.