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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people suffering from ADHD experience a reduction in symptoms when they take medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs and the adverse reactions can be problematic. Methylphenidate is a stimulant. It increases the 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 alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually cause an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, many experts recommend that people start low and build up to the appropriate dose over a period of weeks. Stimulant medications are taken orally, usually once or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulating drugs peak within a few hours and must be taken twice a day. Long-acting stimulating drugs last between 8 and 12 hours, and are only taken once a week. These drugs can trigger unwanted adverse effects, like insomnia, nausea, and loss of appetite. Some people may become irritable or moody. However these effects tend to diminish over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, like becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, including mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled drugs and require a prescription. They are frequently used by adolescents and adults to achieve performance enhancement, and they could lead to addiction if used improperly or not as prescribed. Because of these risks, doctors are very cautious in assessing the need for stimulant drugs and monitor the dosage and effects. Non-stimulant drugs There are a myriad of non-stimulant ADHD medications, and which one is best for you depends on your individual needs. These medications don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants have fewer side effects but can take longer to act and last only for 24 hours. Most of these medications operate by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. This includes antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Therapy can teach a person how to cope with symptoms, and develop new coping techniques such as controlling impulsivity or stress. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform connects clients with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Take a free assessment and you'll be an appointment with a therapist within as little as 48 hours. adhd medications for adults or non-stimulant medications can help those with ADHD reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate, but they do not address the underlying causes. In addition to talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone techniques to control impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These methods can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a therapist who is trained. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to assist their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In some cases it is suggested to combine medication and talk therapy may be the best approach.