Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to different medications and side effects can be troublesome.

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

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. Many experts suggest that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimant medication is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day.

These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as insomnia, loss of appetite and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted or irritable, or even more rigid and obsessed. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your personal needs. These are prescription drugs however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount 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 teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, adhd and medication that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating ADHD and other mental conditions. Take a free assessment and be connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however, they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced by a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the most effective approach.