adhd treatment without medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be problematic.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant drugs enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80% of adults and children who use them. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Because of this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over a period of weeks.

Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or two times a day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants are peaking within a few hours and they must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, such as nausea, insomnia and a loss of appetite. They can also make people feel irritable or moody, but these effects generally disappear over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can alter your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or focused and rigid. They may also raise the risk of other psychiatric issues, like depression and mania.


Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is best for you depends on your personal requirements. These are prescription medications, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects however they may take longer to effect and only last for a period of 24 hours. The majority 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 teach people how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, a service that provides online therapy connects people with licensed therapists who specialize in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. best adhd medication can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however they don't solve the root cause. In adhd medication online to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a certified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In some cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.