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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve by taking medication. Every person's reaction is different, and side effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that assists in controlling the behavior and attention. Stimulant medications Stimulant drugs enhance concentration and attention in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who take them. adhd treatment without medication affect the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts for several hours. This is why many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks. Stimulant medication is consumed orally, typically once or twice a day. Most are available in both short- and long-acting formulations. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak in a few hours, and must be taken two times a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last 8-12 hours, and are only taken once a week. These drugs may cause unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people can become angry or moody. However the effects typically fade over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In some instances, stimulants may alter your personality. You may become withdrawn and sluggish, or rigid and obsessed. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require prescription. Adults and adolescents abuse these substances to boost performance. They can develop addiction when they aren't utilized in a proper manner or according to the prescription. Due to these dangers, doctors must be careful to evaluate the need for stimulant medication and to monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely. Non-stimulant medicine There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one is dependent on the person. These are prescription medicines, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants cause less adverse effects, but they can take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the level of norepinephrine in the brain, and include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with their symptoms, and also develop new coping techniques such as managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can find the right therapist in just 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to focus and reduce impulsivity, however they do not address the root causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person methods to manage the impulsive behavior of their children and increase their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or through practice with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques so they can help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain situations it is suggested to combine medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.