Medication For ADHD: What's No One Is Talking About

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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 different drugs, and side effects can be troublesome.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling attention and behavior.

Stimulant drugs

Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults that use it. They affect neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for a few hours. This is why experts advise that people start low and build up to the recommended dosage over a period of weeks.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. 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 8-12 hours and are taken only once per day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may 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 In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of other mental disorders, such as mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents abuse stimulants to boost their performance. They may become addicted when they are not used properly or as prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors are cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are many non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the person. These medications do not alter the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most 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

Talk therapy can help someone learn how to deal with symptoms and develop new coping skills that include controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp is a company that offers online therapy, matches people to licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental illnesses. Take a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours. Non-stimulant or stimulant medications can help read more those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate, but they do not solve the root cause. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the most effective approach.