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adhd and medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention. Stimulant drugs Stimulant medications 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. Typically, they cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Many experts recommend starting at a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks. Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. The majority are available in short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants peak in a few hours, and should be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours, and are taken only every week. These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people may become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. They are frequently used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors are very attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully. Non-stimulant medicine There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one is determined by the person. These are prescription medicines however they don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants have fewer adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. The majority of these drugs are able to increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), nortriptyline, and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and develop new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a free online assessment. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help people with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus, but they do not solve the root cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the most effective approach.