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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms by taking medication. However, each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication is a stimulant that increases levels of a brain chemical that helps control behavior and attention. Stimulant drugs Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration in 70 to the 80% of adults and children who use them. They alter neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks. Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. They are generally available in long- and short-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken only once a day. These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make some people feel irritable or moody however, these effects usually diminish over time and are often managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can become addicted if they are not utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Because of these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and monitor the dosage and side-effects. Non-stimulant medications There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is best for you depends on your personal needs. These prescription medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last only for 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and get connected with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help people with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address the root causes of the disorder. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with talk therapy to teach people how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. They can be taught to caregivers and parents to assist the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and talk therapy is the best approach.