Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It increases the levels of a brain chemical that helps control the behavior and focus.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication improves concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. medication adhd adults alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure which lasts for a long time. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase your dose over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically at least once or twice per day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and they must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These medications can trigger unwanted adverse side effects like insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. They may also make people irritable or moody, but these effects generally diminish over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You might become more withdrawn, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, like mania and depression.


Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can get matched to a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or through practice with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some instances it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the most effective approach.