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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD have a decrease in symptoms when they use medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is part of a group of medications called stimulants. It works by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention. Stimulant medications Stimulants enhance concentration and attention in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over several weeks. Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or two times a day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice per day. These medications can cause undesirable adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. They can also make people irritable or moody however these effects typically diminish over time and are often managed by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of other mental health issues, such as depression and mania. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and require the prescription of a doctor. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They can become addicted when they are not taken in the correct manner or as directed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medication and be aware of the dosage and any adverse effects. Non-stimulant medications There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments, and the best one depends on the person. These are prescription medications however they do not act on the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to effect and last only for a period of 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the level of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can teach a person how to cope with their symptoms, and also develop new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is a service that offers therapy online, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. You can find an therapist within a matter of 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however, they do not tackle the root causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can help their child or adult with ADHD. In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the best approach.