How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When one neuron sends a message to another, it makes use of neurotransmitters, chemicals. They must traverse a small gap, which is known as a synapse.
Some ADHD medications help in the transmission of these messages more effective. They may aid neurons in releasing more neurotransmitters or slow the reuptake process (called Reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors start ADHD patients on a low dosage and monitor their reaction. They alter the dosage over time to determine a "sweet place" -the lowest dosage that provides an immediate improvement in symptoms and few adverse effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, the first medication that doctors use to treat ADHD children, is usually Methylphenidate. It increases the amount of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in children's brains, which helps them pay attention and stay focused. It also decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity of children. It is important to remember that the methylphenidate drug is a controlled substance and should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
The most common methylphenidate medication is Ritalin. It is available in immediate-release tablets or chewable tablets as well as capsules. Certain forms of the medication contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener) which is harmful for those suffering from phenylketonuria, an inherited condition which causes severe intellectual impairment. Be sure to tell your doctor about any food allergies that you or your child suffers from.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate reduces aberrant activity, specifically in the nucleus of accumbens as well as a set of brain networks that are involved in the process of adaptive control. This may explain why methylphenidate was found to be one of the most effective drugs for treating ADHD.
Stimulants can trigger side effects that include an increase in appetite as well as stomach upset, sleepiness, headache, anxiety or anxiety, and antics. They aren't common, but they could be serious. If you experience any of them you must contact your doctor immediately. It is also important to inform your doctor if your child suffers from allergies, the presence of heart disease or bipolar disorder, depression or any other mental health issues such as glaucoma, a history of seizures or strokes or if you're taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) or Methylene Blue, or Phenelzine (Nardil). It is essential to take your methylphenidate exactly in accordance with the prescription of your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines can help you focus on your thoughts and block out distractions by speeding up the transmission of messages between brain cells. They are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in both children and adults. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in your brain. Amphetamines are available in short-acting (immediate release) and intermediate- or long-acting forms. They are available orally or via injection.
Some people are afflicted by the negative side effects of stimulant medication like restlessness or trouble sleeping, or increased heart rate or high blood pressure. Your doctor will be able to monitor your symptoms and adjust your dosage to find the best one for you. Some people may have to take a mix of medicines to achieve the desired effects.
Drugs that stimulate the brain affect two key neurotransmitters located in the prefrontal cortex. This is the region of the brain which regulates emotions and manages your behavior. These drugs are prescribed to treat a variety of mental health issues, including ADD/ADHD, depression anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are among the most commonly used stimulant drugs. The FDA has approved dozens of brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They are available in different forms ranging from short-acting stimulants to long-acting stimulants. They can be consumed orally or injected. Truck drivers, students and teenagers who need more energy to perform endurance sports may abuse amphetamines. Amphetamines may cause mental and physical issues when used improperly, especially in higher doses.
Non-stimulant medications are also effective in treating ADHD. These include atomoxetine, 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 are based with the same chemicals as stimulants, but they are less likely to cause more tics and cause problems for people with Tourette's syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medicines are used to treat adolescents and children with ADHD. They can be consumed by mouth or applied to the skin. They are available in liquids and patches and pills that can be swallowed or chewed. These drugs are usually only available on prescription. These medications include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana), and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse). Short-acting stimulants work quickly and last between 3 to 6 hours.
These medications ease the symptoms of 70 percent to 80% children and adults suffering from ADHD. They can reduce the need to fidget and interrupting, making it easier for you to complete tasks. They also help improve academic performance and relationships. They don't fix the underlying issues that cause ADHD. It's important to combine them with behavior therapy.
It's important to know that ADHD medications can have side effects. They can make you sleepy or cranky, and they may interfere with your sleep. But these effects are usually minimal and will disappear once the medication is gone from your body. Your doctor may ask you to take a small dose at first and then gradually increase the dosage. They will monitor you or your child to determine whether there are any issues with the medication.
Finding the right medication for you or your children might take some time. It is important to communicate openly with your health professional. They may suggest changes to how often you or your child is taking the medication, or even whether it's necessary at all. They'll also want to know whether your child or you is suffering from any other mental or medical health conditions.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants manage ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. This helps increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These two chemicals are essential for the functioning of the pre-frontal cortex of the brain (think of it as your "secretary" in the executive functioning area of your brain). The majority of kids with ADHD respond well to stimulant medications. Your doctor will help you determine the best dosage and medication for you. You may need to try various types of medications before you discover the one that is right for you or your children.
You can consume these stimulants in liquid or chewable tablet form. These medications begin working quickly and last for three to four hours. The "crash effect" is a sign that the medication wears off. This is characterized by an abrupt reduction in energy levels as well as extreme hunger. There are also long-acting stimulants like dexamfetamine or Lisdexamfetamine. These are more complex and require prescriptions. They are injected into the bloodstream and then change from inactive to active in red blood cells.
Finding the right medication, dosage and schedule for your child or for yourself can take a lot of time. Your doctor will keep track of how you respond to the medication and watch for problems such as sleep disturbances. They will also talk to you about non-stimulant medications in the event that you or your child aren't responding well to stimulants.
Do not stop or alter your ADHD medications without first consulting your physician. Inform adhd medication for adults if use any prescription medications or supplements, since some can interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant medication is effective for 70-80 percent of children and adults with ADHD and help cut the amount of hyperactivity, interruptions fidgeting, impulsivity, and fidgeting. They also help enhance focus and assist people to finish their tasks and maintain relationships. However, they may not reduce moodiness or other troublesome symptoms. They can also cause adverse effects like sleepiness, loss of appetite and nervousness. They can also cause stomachaches, changes in heart rhythm and high blood pressure.
These drugs work in phases to treat ADHD symptoms all day long. Most of these medications begin to work within 30 to 60 minutes. They fade after 3 to 6 hours. They can be utilized in combination with other types of ADHD treatment such as behavioral therapy.
Some of these long-acting stimulants, like atomoxetine-ER (Intuniv) and guanfacine (Strattera) are able to last for a long time and even the next day. Some doctors suggest taking them in the afternoon, to avoid patients from having to take additional medication during school or afterschool.
Long-acting stimulants don't increase dopamine levels as dramatically as short- and intermediate-acting drugs, but they still boost their levels significantly. This means that they don't cause the same type of rebound effects as be experienced with shorter-acting substances.
Long-acting stimulants due to the potential for adverse reactions, are usually prescribed as a last resort for adults suffering from ADHD and teens who are older. They are also used to treat certain patients with ADHD in cases where other medications haven't been effective.
While medication can help improve concentration and self control however, it's not the only solution for people suffering from ADHD. With the help of good eating habits, regular sleep and other self-help strategies it's often possible to decrease, or even eliminate, the requirement for ADHD medication.