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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. Every person's reaction is different, and the side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus. Stimulant drugs Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults that take it. They alter neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. This is why experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks. Stimant medications are typically taken orally, one or two times a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken twice a day. These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or becoming more rigid and obsessive.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. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents abuse them to enhance performance. They can develop addiction when they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely. Non-stimulant medications There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one is determined by the person. adhd without medication are prescription drugs, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely cause negative side effects, but they can take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. Get a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to focus however, they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone 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 be taught to parents and caregivers so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the best option.