Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults who use it. They 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 that lasts for a few hours. Because of medications for adhd in adults , experts advise that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once a day.

These drugs can cause unwanted adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You may become withdrawn, listless, or more focused and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medications


There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your personal requirements. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and develop new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Take a free assessment and be an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best option.