5 Conspiracy Theories About Medication For ADHD You Should Avoid

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Medication For ADHD - What Are the Side Effects?

Many people suffering from ADHD have their symptoms improved by taking medication. But each person reacts differently to different medications and the adverse effects can be a problem.

Methylphenidate is part of a class of medications called stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical in the brain that aids in controlling the attention span and behavior.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications improve concentration and attention for 70 to 80% of 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 increase in blood pressure and heart rate, which lasts for several hours. Many experts suggest that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage over a period of time.

Stimant medications are taken by mouth, usually at least once or twice per day. There are short-acting and long-acting versions of most stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak within a couple of hours and are required to be taken three times a day. Long-acting stimulants last between 8 and 12 hours and are taken once every day.

These drugs can cause undesirable adverse side effects like anxiety, insomnia and nausea. They may also make people irritable or moody however, these effects usually disappear over time and are often controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some instances, stimulants can cause changes in personality, for example being withdrawn, unfocused or more rigid and obsessive. They can also increase the risk of other mental health issues, like mania and depression.

The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription. They are often misused by adults and teens for the purpose of performance enhancement, and they could cause addiction if taken improperly or not as prescribed. Due to these dangers, doctors are attentive to determine the need for stimulant drugs and to monitor dosage and effects.

Non-stimulant medications

There are many non-stimulant ADHD medications, and the best one depends on the individual. These are prescription medicines, but they do not affect the same brain chemicals as stimulants. Non-stimulants are less likely to have negative side effects, however they may read more take longer to work and only last for a period of 24 hours. They work by increasing the amount of norepinephrine that is present in the brain. They also contain antidepressants such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and nortriptyline (Aventyl and Pamelor).

Psychotherapy

Talk therapy can help a person learn how to manage symptoms and learn new coping skills, such as managing stress and impulsivity. BetterHelp, an online therapy service connects people with licensed therapists who are trained to treat ADHD and other mental health conditions. Get a free assessment and you'll be connected with a therapist in less than 48 hours. Non-stimulant and stimulant medications can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and decrease impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. In addition to talking therapy, cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness-based therapies can teach someone strategies to manage their impulsive behavior and improve their ability to manage their emotions. These techniques can be learned by an ADHD coach or by practicing them with a qualified therapist. Parents and caregivers can learn these techniques so they can help their child or adult with ADHD. In certain instances it is recommended to combine medications and talk therapy is the best option.