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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior. Stimulant medications Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70% to 80percent of children and adults who take them. They affect neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over the course of weeks. Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice a day. Most are available in both long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken once every day. These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However, these effects usually diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken in a manner that is not approved. Because of adhd anxiety medication iampsychiatry.uk consider the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects. Non-stimulant medicines There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and which one is best for you depends on your specific requirements. These medications do not affect 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 period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Talk therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however they don't solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can assist their child or adult with ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.