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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs and the adverse effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior. Stimulant drugs Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70% to the 80% of adults and children who take them. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the appropriate dose over the course of weeks. Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a couple of hours, and should be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last for 8 to 12 hours and are only taken once a week. These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania. adhd medications for adults are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They can become addicted when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects. Non-stimulant medicines There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the person. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can help a person learn how to deal with symptoms and learn new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best approach.