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Keep An Eye On This: How Medication For ADHD Is Gaining Ground And What To Do
Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved with medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and side effects can be problematic.

Methylphenidate belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It increases the levels of a chemical in the brain that regulates behavior and attention.

Stimulant medications


Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults that use it. They alter the neurotransmitters involved in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. Typically, they cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people begin with a low dose and gradually increase to the recommended dosage over the course of weeks.

Stimant medication is taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting as well as long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants begin to show their effects within a couple of hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day. Long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once every day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse effects, such as anxiety, insomnia and nausea. Some people might become irritable or moody. However adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by altering the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can cause changes in personality, like being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like mania and depression.

Most stimulants are controlled substances, and require a prescription to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and teens to achieve performance enhancement, and they can lead to addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these risks doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects.

Non-stimulant medicine

There are a variety of non-stimulant ADHD treatments that are available, and the one that is most effective depends on the individual. These medications do not affect the same brain chemicals that stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however, they take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor.

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like stress management or impulsivity control. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can be matched with a therapist within 48 hours after completing a no-cost online assessment. The use of stimulants or non-stimulants can help those with ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability of focus, but they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be utilized in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their unpredictable behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these methods to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain instances the combination of medication and talk therapy is the best option.

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