Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. However, each person reacts differently to different drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic.


Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant drugs improve attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who take them. They work by altering the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. A lot of experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks.

Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and are required to be taken three times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice a day.

These drugs can cause unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people moody or angry however, these effects usually fade with time and can often be managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may change your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. how to treat adhd without medication in adults may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of the risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant drugs

There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help people how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a company that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however, they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can learn these methods to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.