Medication For ADHD: What Nobody Is Talking About Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people with ADHD experience improvements in their symptoms through medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications, and adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that helps regulate behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medication can improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% children and adults that take it. They work by altering the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for a few hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over the course of weeks.


Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice daily. They are generally available in short- and long-acting formulas. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and are required to be taken three times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once a day.

These medications can trigger unwanted side effects such as nausea, insomnia and nausea. They can also make people feel irritable or moody however these effects typically fade with time and are usually managed by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. adhd and depression medication can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, such as depression and mania.

Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and side effects carefully.

Non-stimulant medications

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD medications available, and the one that is most suitable for you is determined by your individual requirements. These are prescription medicines, but they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects however, they take longer to effect and last only for 24 hours. They are mostly effective by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Therapy can teach the patient how to deal with symptoms, and develop new strategies for coping, such as stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health issues. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability of focus however they don't solve the root cause. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based treatments can teach people techniques to control an impulsive personality and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by experimenting with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the child or adult with ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medication and therapy is the most effective approach.