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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people who suffer from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when taking medication. Every person's reaction to medication is different, and the side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is part of a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates the behavior and focus. Stimulant medications Stimulants improve attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They alter 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. Due to this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the optimal dose over a period of weeks. Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice daily. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants are peaking in a few hours, and they must be taken twice daily. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are taken only once a week. These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and a decrease in appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances, stimulants can change your personality. You could become more introverted, listless, or more rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of other mental disorders, including depression and mania. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. They are frequently used by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors must be cautious in assessing the need for stimulant medications and to monitor the dosage and effects. Non-stimulant medicines There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and which one is best for you depends on your personal requirements. These are prescription medications however they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less side effects but can take longer to act and last only 24 hours. Most of them work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine within the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can take a no-cost assessment and get an appointment with a therapist within just a few hours. managing adhd without medication www.iampsychiatry.uk of stimulants or non-stimulants can help people with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to focus however they don't address the underlying causes. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach, or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult who suffers from ADHD. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best approach.