Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?<br /><br />Many people suffering from ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. But each person reacts differently to different drugs and the side effects can be troublesome.<br /><br />Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control attention and behavior.<br /><br />Stimulant medication<br /><br />Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70% to 80% of children and adults who take it. They affect neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine in the brain. Typically, they trigger an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. This is why experts advise that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.<br /><br /><br /><br />Stimant medication is administered by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only once per week.<br /><br />These drugs can cause undesirable side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression.<br /><br />The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a manner that is not approved. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and keep track of the dosage and adverse effects.<br /><br />Non-stimulant medications<br /><br />There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that's most appropriate for you is based on your individual requirements. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects but they can take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/">adhd treatment without medication</a> include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).<br /><br />Psychotherapy<br /><br />Therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills that include stress management and impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. You can be matched with the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help people suffering from ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be combined with talk therapy to teach people how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In certain cases it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best option.<br /><br />