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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who take them. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Many experts suggest starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken twice per day.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically disappear over time and are able to be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can alter your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse them to enhance performance. They can become addicted if they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that's best for you depends on your individual needs. These prescription medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however they may take longer to work and last only for a get more info period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can assist a person in learning how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills like controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those 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 child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.