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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD have their symptoms improved through medication. Each person's reaction to drugs is different, and the side effects are sometimes problematic. Methylphenidate belongs to a class of drugs referred to as stimulants. It is a stimulant that increases levels of a substance in the brain that helps control the behavior and attention. Stimulant medication Stimulant medication can improve attention and concentration for 70 to 80% children and adults that use it. They alter the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They usually trigger an initial rise in blood pressure and heart rate that lasts several hours. Due to this, experts recommend that patients start with a lower dose and increase it to the optimal dose over a period of weeks. Stimulant medication is taken orally, usually once or twice daily. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions for most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and are required to be taken three times a day. adhd without medication -acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken once a day. These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, including insomnia, nausea and a decrease in appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually fade over time and can be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In certain instances stimulants can trigger changes in personality, such as becoming more withdrawn, irritable or becoming more rigid and obsessive. They may also increase the risk of developing other mental disorders, like mania and depression. Most stimulants are controlled substances that require prescriptions to be obtained. They are frequently used by adults and adolescents to achieve performance enhancement, and they can cause addiction if taken in a way that is not prescribed. Because of these dangers, doctors must be attentive to determine the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side effects carefully. medications for adhd uk -stimulant medicine There are a number of non-stimulant ADHD treatments and the most effective one is determined by the individual. These prescription drugs don't affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants do. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects but they can take longer to work and last only for 24 hours. They work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. They also include antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor). Psychotherapy Talk therapy can help someone learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as controlling impulsivity and stress. BetterHelp, a service that offers therapy online connects people with licensed therapists trained in treating ADHD and other mental disorders. Take a free assessment and you'll be matched with a therapist in just a few hours. Stimulant or non-stimulant medications can assist people suffering from ADHD reduce their impulsivity and increase their ability to concentrate, but they do not address the underlying causes. Cognitive mindfulness and behavioral therapy can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to control their impulse-driven behavior. These techniques can be learned through an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a trained therapist. Parents and caregivers can be taught these techniques to help their child or adult suffering from ADHD. In certain situations, a combination between medications and talk therapy might be the best approach.