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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. But every person reacts differently to different drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps control the behavior and focus. Stimulant medications Stimulant medications improve attention and concentration for 70% to 80% children and adults that take it. They affect the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate which lasts for a long time. Many experts recommend that you start low and gradually increase the dosage over the course of several weeks. Stimulant medication is typically taken orally, one or twice a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants are most effective after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once a day. These medications can trigger unwanted adverse effects, such as insomnia, loss of appetite 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 In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming withdrawn, listless or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require prescriptions to be obtained. Adults and adolescents use these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't used properly or as prescribed. Because of the risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and adverse effects closely. best adhd medication -stimulant medicines There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD medicines and the most effective one depends on the person. These prescription medications do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants cause less negative effects, but take longer to kick in and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. They also include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can help someone learn how to cope with symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. Get a free assessment and be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however, they do not tackle the root causes. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can also be taught to caregivers and parents to help the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy could be the best option.