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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve with medication. medications for adhd in adults to drugs is different, and the side effects can be problematic. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior. Stimulant medications Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% of children and adults who use it. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks. Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak 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 once per day. These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases, stimulants can cause changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adolescents and adults misuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can develop addiction if they are not used properly or as prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully evaluate the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects. Non-stimulant medicine There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medications that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the individual. These are prescription medicines, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, but they can take longer to effect and last only for a period of 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 Talk therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills like managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate however, they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people 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 trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to assist the adult or child with ADHD in these areas. In some cases, a combination between medication and therapy could be the best option.