How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When our website transmits a signal to another, it uses neurotransmitters or chemicals. These chemicals must travel through a small gap that is called a synapse.
Some ADHD medications help in the transmission of these messages more effective. They can assist neurons in the release of more neurotransmitters, or slow down the process of reuptake (called Reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors begin ADHD patients on a low dosage and monitor their reaction. They alter the dosage as they go along to determine the "sweet place" -- the lowest level that provides an immediate improvement in symptoms and minimal adverse side effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, the first medication that doctors use to treat ADHD kids, is typically Methylphenidate. It works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in kids' brains which help them focus and pay attention. It also reduces their hyperactivity and impulsivity. Remember that methylphenidate should only be taken with the supervision of a physician since it is a controlled drug.
The most commonly used methylphenidate medicine is Ritalin. It is available in tablets that release immediately, chewable tablets, and capsules. Some versions of the medication contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener) which can be hazardous for people suffering from the genetic condition phenylketonuria causing severe intellectual disability. Be sure to tell your doctor about any food allergies you or your child has.
Researchers have discovered that methylphenidate can reduce abnormal activity in parts of the brain, such as the nucleus accumbens as well as a network of three brain networks that play a role in adaptive control. This is the reason why methylphenidate is one of the most effective medications for treating ADHD.
Stimulants can trigger side effects which include a an increase in appetite as well as stomach upset, sleepiness, headache, anxiety or disturbances and tics. They are not common but they could be serious. It is important to consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Inform your doctor about any allergies, heart diseases bipolar disorders, depression and other mental health issues like glaucoma, seizures, or glaucoma. Also, tell them whether your child or you have a history of. It is essential to take your methylphenidate exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines can speed up the transmission of messages between brain cells. They can aid in focusing your mind and avoid distractions. They are the most frequently prescribed medications to treat ADHD in children and adults. They increase the level of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. Amphetamines are available in both short-acting (immediate-release) and intermediate or long-acting forms. They can be taken orally or by injection.
Certain people are affected by the adverse effects of stimulant medications, like restlessness, difficulty sleeping, or an increased heart rate or high blood pressure. Your doctor will observe your symptoms and adjust your dosage to find the right one for you. Some people may require multiple prescriptions to get the desired results.
Drugs that stimulate the brain affect two key neurotransmitters located in the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that regulates emotions and controls your behavior. These medications are prescribed for a broad range of mental health disorders, including ADD/ADHD and other conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, narcolepsy and eating disorders.
The most popular kinds of stimulant drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidates. The FDA has approved dozens of brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They come in different forms, from short-acting to long-acting. They are injected either by injection or orally. Amphetamines are often abused by teenagers who use them to keep awake and study for exams, as well as by truck drivers and students that require an extra boost of energy to compete in endurance sports. Amphetamines may cause mental and physical issues when they are misused, especially at higher doses.
Non-stimulant medicines 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 work with the same chemicals as stimulants but are less likely to make more tics and cause problems for people with Tourette's syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medications are used to treat teens and children with ADHD. They can be taken through the mouth or applied on the skin. They are available in pills that can be swallowed or chewed and capsules that can be opened and sprinkled onto food items, and liquid patches. They are typically only available through prescription. These medications include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana), and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse). Short-acting stimulants work quickly and last for 3 to 6 hours.
These drugs relieve symptoms for 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD. They can reduce the need to fidget and interrupting, making it easier for you to complete your tasks. They can also improve relationships and academic performance. They can't address the root issues that cause ADHD. It's important to combine them with behavior therapy.
It's important to understand that ADHD medications can have side effects. They can make you sleepy or cranky, and they may interfere with your sleep. However, these effects are usually minor and go away as the medication is gone from your body. Your doctor will probably suggest you take only a small amount at first and then increase it gradually. They'll monitor how the medication affects you or your child and check for any issues.
Finding the right medication for your child or yourself might take some time. It's best to be open with your health care team and communicate clearly. They might suggest an increase in the frequency of medications that you or your child take, or if any medication is needed at any time. They'll also want to know whether you or your child has any other medical or mental conditions.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants work to control ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain. This helps increase the levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine. These two chemicals are essential for the functioning of the pre-frontal cortex region of the brain (think of it as your "secretary" in the executive functioning area of your brain). The use of stimulants is effective for most ADHD children. Your doctor can help you determine the right medication and dosage for you. You may need to try various types of medications before you can find the one that works for you or your children.
You can take stimulants that release immediately in liquid form as well as chewable tablets. They perform quickly and last for up to four hours. Some people have a problem when the medicine wears off, a phenomenon known as the "crash effect." This typically results in a sharp decrease in energy and can cause intense hunger. There are also long-acting stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or Lisdexamfetamine. These are a little more complex and require a prescription. They are injected into the bloodstream and change from inactive to active in red blood cells.
Finding the right medication, dosage and schedule for your child or yourself may take some time. Your doctor will monitor your response to the medication and look for any problems such as trouble sleeping. If you or your child are not responding well to stimulants, they'll also discuss non-stimulant medications.
It is not advisable to discontinue or alter your ADHD medication without talking to your doctor first. It is also essential to inform your doctor about any over-the-counter supplements and medications you're taking, because certain medications can interact with other ADHD medication.
Long-acting stimulants
For 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD stimulant medications work in decreasing hyperactivity, interrupting behavior, fidgeting and impulsivity. They can also increase focus and help people finish tasks and maintain relationships. adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication might not help reduce moodiness or other troublesome symptoms. They can also cause adverse effects such as sleepiness, loss of appetite, jitteriness, stomachaches, changes in heart rhythm and high blood pressure.
These drugs work in phases to treat ADHD symptoms all day long. The majority of them begin to show effects within 30 to 45 minutes and disappear within 3 to 6 hours. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other types of ADHD treatment, like behavioral therapy.
Some of these long acting stimulants, including atomoxetine (Intuniv) and guanfacine (Strattera), can last for a long time and even the next morning. Some doctors suggest using them to fill an afternoon trough, so patients do not require a second dose at school or afterschool.
Long-acting stimulants don't boost dopamine levels as much as intermediate- and short-acting drugs, but they still raise their levels significantly. As a result, they don't cause the same kind of rebound effects that can occur with shorter-acting stimulants.
Due to the possibility of side effects, long-acting stimulants are typically prescribed as a second line treatment for older teens suffering from ADHD. They are also used to treat certain people with ADHD in cases where other medications haven't been effective.
While medication can aid in improving concentration and self control however, it's not the only solution for people suffering from ADHD. In conjunction with good sleep habits, healthy eating, and other self-help strategies it's usually possible to eliminate or reduce the necessity for ADHD medicine.