How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When one neuron sends a message to another, it makes use of neurotransmitters or chemicals. These need to travel through a tiny gap known as a synapse.
Certain ADHD medications increase the efficiency of these messages. They may aid neurons in releasing more neurotransmitters, or slow down the process of reuptake (called reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors put patients suffering from ADHD with a low dose of medication and then observe their reactions. They alter the dosage as they go along to discover the "sweet spot" -the lowest dosage that provides clear improvement in symptoms with minimal adverse side effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, the first medication that doctors try to help ADHD kids, is often Methylphenidate. It helps by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in children's brains which help them focus and pay attention. It also reduces their impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is important to remember that methylphenidate is a controlled drug and should only be used under the supervision of a physician.
The most well-known methylphenidate drug is Ritalin. It comes in immediate-release tablets or chewable tablets as well as capsules. Some versions of the medication contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener) which can be dangerous for those with phenylketonuria, an inherited condition that causes severe intellectual disabilities. Make sure you inform your doctor about any food allergies that you or your child suffers from.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate can reduce abnormal activity in certain areas of the brain, such as the nucleus accumbens and a network of three brain networks that play an important role in adaptive control. This is the reason why methylphenidate is among the most effective medications for treating ADHD.
Stimulants can cause side effects that can include the loss of appetite and sleepiness, stomach upset headache, anxiety, disturbances and the tics. These are not common, but they can be serious. If you experience any of them, you should call your doctor right away. Inform your doctor of any allergies, heart diseases, depression, bipolar disorders and other mental health issues such as glaucoma, seizures or glaucoma. Also, tell them that you or your child have a history. It's important to take methylphenidate exactly as prescribed by your physician.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines can help you concentrate on your thoughts and ignore distractions by speeding up the communication between brain cells. They are the most commonly used medications used to treat ADHD in adults and children. They increase the levels neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in your brain. Amphetamines are available both in short-acting (immediate-release) and intermediate or long-acting versions. They can be consumed orally and also via injection.
Some people have a tough dealing with the adverse effects of stimulant medications, such as insomnia, restlessness, or a rise in blood pressure and heart rate. Your doctor will observe the symptoms and adjust the dosage to find the right one for you. Some patients may require multiple prescriptions to achieve the desired outcome.
Drugs that stimulate the brain affect two key neurotransmitters that are located in the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that regulates emotions and controls your behavior. They are prescribed for a wide variety of mental health issues, including ADD/ADHD and other conditions such as bipolar disorder, narcolepsy, and eating disorders.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are the most commonly used stimulant drugs. The FDA has approved a variety of brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They are available in a variety of forms - from stimulants that are short-acting to long-acting stimulants. They can be consumed orally or injected. Amphetamines are often abused by teens who use them to stay awake and concentrate for tests or by truck drivers and students that require more energy for endurance sports. adhd medications for adults can also trigger physical and mental problems when used in excess, particularly with higher doses.
Non-stimulant medications can also be effective for treating ADHD. These include atomoxetine, clonidine and guanfacine. They are in the same class as antidepressants and belong to the norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists classes. They function using the same chemical as stimulants but are less likely to make more tics, which is a problem for those with Tourette's Syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medicines are used to treat teenagers and children with ADHD. They can be taken by mouth or applied on the skin. They are available in liquids and patches, as well as pills that can be swallowed or chewed. These drugs are usually only available on prescription. They include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin (Concerta, Focalin (Daytrana), andamphetamines, (Adderall (Dexedrine, Vyvanse)). Short-acting stimulants have a rapid effect and last for 3 and 6 hours.
These drugs ease symptoms for 70 percent to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They can reduce fidgeting and interruptions, as well as making it easier to finish tasks. They also help improve relationships and academic performance. However, they can't address the root causes of ADHD. adhd medication for adults is crucial to integrate them with behavior therapy.
It's also important to understand that ADHD medications can have adverse effects. They can cause you to be drowsy or cranky, and they could interfere with your sleep. However, these effects are typically small and disappear as the medicine is eliminated from your body. Your doctor may ask you to start with a small dosage and gradually increase it. They'll watch to see how the medication affects you or your child and check for any issues.
It can take some time to find the appropriate medication and dose for you or your child. It is important to communicate openly with your health care provider. They might suggest changes to how often you or your child takes the medication, or when it's required at all. They'll also be looking to determine whether your child or you suffers from any other mental or medical health issues.
Intermediate stimulants
The stimulants help to manage ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain. This boosts the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine, two substances that are important for the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain. (Think of it as "your secretary" in the executive part of your mind). Stimulant medication is efficient for the majority of ADHD children. Your doctor will work with you to figure out which type of medication and dosage is right for you. You may have to try different kinds of medications before you find the one that is right for you or your child.
You can consume these stimulants in tablet or liquid form. These medications begin working quickly and last for three or four hours. Some people experience a problem after the medication has worn off, a phenomenon known as the "crash effect." It usually results in an immediate decrease in energy and can cause extreme hunger. There are also adhd medication for adults that act long-lastingly like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. These are more complex and require prescriptions. They are injected in the bloodstream, and they become active in the red blood cells.
Finding the right dosage, medication and schedule for your child or for yourself can take time. Your doctor will monitor your response to the medication, and look for any problems such as sleep issues. If you or your child is not responding well to stimulants, they'll also discuss non-stimulant medication.
You should never discontinue or alter your ADHD medication without talking to your doctor first. Inform your doctor if take any prescription drugs or supplements, as they may interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant medication is effective for 70-80 percent of children and adults with ADHD and help cut down on hyperactivity, interrupting fidgeting, impulsivity, and fidgeting. They can also enhance focus and assist people to finish tasks and maintain relationships. They can't help with moodiness, or other nagging symptoms. They may also cause negative side effects, such as sleepiness, loss of appetite and nervousness. They can also cause stomachaches, heart rhythm changes and high blood pressure.
These medications work in phases to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. Most of these medications start to work within 30 to 60 minutes and fade after 3 to 6 hours. They are often used in conjunction with other forms of ADHD treatment, such as behavioral therapy.
Some of these stimulants with long-acting effects such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine-ER (Intuniv) will last throughout the night and into the next morning. Some doctors recommend taking these in the afternoon to prevent patients from having to take additional medication during school or after school.
Long-acting stimulants do not increase dopamine levels in the same way as short- or intermediate-acting drugs. However, they do so significantly. They don't have the same rebound effects as stimulants with shorter durations.
Long-acting stimulants, due to the possibility of adverse effects, are usually prescribed as a secondary treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and older teens. They are also used to treat certain people with ADHD in cases where other medications haven't been effective.
While medication can help improve concentration and self-control, it's not the sole solution for those with ADHD. With the help of good sleeping habits, healthy diets and other self-help strategies it's possible to reduce or even eliminate the need for ADHD medication.