Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people who suffer from ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medication

Stimulant medications enhance attention and concentration in 70 to 80percent of adults and children who use them. They alter the activity of neurotransmitters that are essential in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial increase in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Because of this, experts recommend that patients start low and build up to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks.

Stimant medication for adhd and anxiety in adults is administered by mouth, typically once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a short time and must be taken 2-3 times per day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken only once every day.

These drugs may cause unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However the effects typically diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can change your personality. You may become withdrawn or irritable, or even more obsessive and rigid. They can also increase the risk of other psychiatric issues, like mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances that require the prescription of a doctor. They are often misused by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they could result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of the dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and adverse effects closely.

Non-stimulant medicines

There are a number of non-stimulant strattera adhd medication medicines that are available, and the one that is most effective is dependent on the individual. These are prescription medicines however they do not have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely have negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. Most of these medications operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can teach people how to deal with symptoms, and develop new coping strategies, like controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp, a service that offers online therapy connects clients with licensed therapists with expertise in treating adhd medication online and other mental illnesses. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. Stimulant and non-stimulant medication can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address some of the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach a person techniques to control 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 be taught to caregivers and parents so that they can support the adult or child with adhd medication options in these areas. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medication and therapy is the best option.