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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms with medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate the behavior and focus. Stimulant medications Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults who use it. They work by altering neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Due to this, experts recommend that patients begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks. Stimulant medications are consumed orally, typically once or twice daily. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulants are most effective within a couple of hours and should be taken 3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once a day. These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescription. medications for adhd uk are often misused by adolescents and adults for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully. Non-stimulant drugs There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that is best for you depends on your specific requirements. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last for only 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can get matched to the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help people with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, but they don't address some of the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people strategies to manage their an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a therapist who is trained. 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 some cases it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best option.