Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD notice a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects are sometimes problematic.

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

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% of children and adults that use it. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dose over the course of several weeks.

Stimant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice daily. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a couple of hours, and must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week.

These medications can cause undesirable side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by changing the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric problems, including mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances that require a prescription to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors must carefully assess the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the one that is best for you depends on your specific needs. These are prescription medications, but they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. non prescription adhd medication for adults-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to act and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach people how to get adhd medication without diagnosis to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping techniques such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they do not address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people methods to manage an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents Bipolar And Adhd Medication caregivers can learn these techniques so they can assist their child or adult with adhd treatment medication. In some instances, a combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.