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Medication For ADHD – What Are the Side Effects? Many people with ADHD find their symptoms improve through medication. But each person reacts differently to various drugs, and adverse effects can be a problem. Methylphenidate is part of a group of drugs known as stimulants. It works by raising levels of a chemical within the brain that assists in controlling the attention span and behavior. Stimulant medications Stimulant medications enhance concentration and attention in 70% to the 80% of children and adults who use them. They affect the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. They typically cause an initial increase in heart rate and blood pressure that lasts for several hours. A lot of experts recommend that you begin with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over a period of time. Stimulant medications are typically taken orally, one or twice a day. There are both short-acting and long-acting versions of many stimulants. Short-acting stimulants peak after a few hours and must be taken 2-3 times a day; long-acting stimulants last 8-12 hours and are taken twice a day. These drugs can trigger unwanted side effects, such as insomnia, nausea and loss of appetite. Some people might become irritable or moody. However, these effects usually disappear over time and are able to be controlled by adjusting the dosage. In some cases stimulants can trigger changes in personality, for example becoming more withdrawn, irritable or more rigid and obsessive. They may also raise the risk of developing other psychiatric issues, such as mania and depression. The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and require a prescription to be obtained. They are often misused by adults and adolescents for the purpose of performance enhancement, and can result in addiction if used in a way that is not prescribed. Due to these risks, doctors carefully consider the need for stimulant medications and monitor the dosage and side-effects. Non-stimulant drugs There are many non-stimulant ADHD medication options, and the one that's best for you depends on your specific needs. These are prescription medicines however they don't have the same effect on brain chemicals as stimulants. adhd uk medication -stimulants are less likely to cause negative side effects, however they may take longer to work and only last for 24 hours. The majority of these drugs work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain. This includes antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) nortriptyline and Pamelor. Psychotherapy Talk therapy can teach the patient how to deal with the symptoms and learn new coping strategies, like managing stress or controlling impulsivity. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform, matches people with licensed therapists trained to treat ADHD and other mental health disorders. You can find a therapist within 48 hours after taking a free online assessment. The use of stimulants and non-stimulants can help those with ADHD improve their ability to concentrate and reduce impulsivity, however they don't address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can be used in conjunction with therapy to help people learn how to manage their impulsive behavior. These techniques can be taught by an ADHD coach or practiced with a trained therapist. They can be taught to parents and caregivers to help the child or adult suffering from ADHD in these areas. In some cases the combination of medications and talk therapy is the best option.