How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When one neuron transmits a signal to another, it uses neurotransmitters or chemicals. They need to cross a tiny gap called the synapse.
Some ADHD medications can make the passing along of these messages more efficient. They can aid neurons in releasing more neurotransmitters or slow down the reuptake process (called Reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors begin ADHD patients on a low dosage and then monitor their response. They gradually increase the dosage to find the "sweet spot," the lowest dose that shows a noticeable improvement in symptoms and produces fewer side effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first drug that doctors use to treat ADHD kids, is often Methylphenidate. It works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in kids' brains, which helps them focus and pay attention. It also reduces their impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is important to keep in mind that methylphenidate is a controlled drug and should only be taken under a doctor's supervision.
Ritalin is the most commonly used methylphenidate drug. It is available in tablets that release immediately or chewable tablets as well as capsules. Certain forms of the medication contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener), which can be hazardous for people suffering from phenylketonuria, an inherited condition which causes severe intellectual impairment. Tell your provider if you or your child have food allergies.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate reduces aberrant activity, specifically in the accumbens nucleus and also a network of brain networks involved in the process of adaptive control. This is the reason why methylphenidate is considered to be one of the most effective drugs for treating ADHD.
The side effects of stimulants are sleepiness, nausea, headaches anxiety, agitation, an agitation and tics. These aren't common but they could be serious. You should contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. It is also important to inform your doctor if your child has allergies, the presence of heart disease, depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health problems or glaucoma, a past history of seizures or stroke, or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, or phenelzine (Nardil). 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 messages between brain cells. They are among the most commonly prescribed medications for treating ADHD in both children and adults. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. Amphetamines come in short-acting (immediate release) and intermediate- or long-acting forms. They can be consumed orally or via injection.
Certain people are affected by the side effects of stimulant medication like restlessness, difficulty sleeping, or an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and adjust the dose to find the right one for you. Some people may need to take multiple medications to get the desired results.
Stimulant drugs work by affecting two essential neurotransmitters within the pre-frontal cortex, which is the brain part that helps regulate emotions and regulate your behavior. These medications are prescribed to treat a variety of mental health issues such as depression, ADD/ADHD anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression.
The most commonly used kinds of stimulant drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidates. The FDA has approved a variety of brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They are available in a variety of forms, ranging from short-acting to long-acting and are administered either by injection or orally. Truck drivers, students and teenagers who need more energy to compete in endurance sports can abuse amphetamines. They can also trigger psychological and physical problems if misused, particularly in higher doses.
Non-stimulant drugs can also be effective in 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 are based on the same chemicals that stimulants do, however they are less likely to trigger the tics of people suffering from Tourette syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medicines are used to treat teenagers and children with ADHD. They can be taken through the mouth or applied on the skin. They are available in patches and liquids as well as pills that can be chewed or swallowed. They are generally only available on prescription by a physician. They include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin (Concerta, Focalin (Daytrana), andamphetamines, (Adderall (Dexedrine, Vyvanse)). Short-acting stimulants work fast and last for about 3 to 6 hours.
These medications ease the symptoms of 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They can reduce fidgeting and interrupting, and make it easier to complete tasks. They can also improve academic performance and relationships. However, they aren't able to address the root causes of ADHD. It is crucial to integrate the two therapies with behavior therapy.
It's also important to recognize that ADHD medications can cause side effects. They can make you sleepy or cranky, and they may interfere with your sleep. These effects are usually mild and disappear once the medication is gone from your system. Your doctor may ask you to start with a smaller dosage and gradually increase it. They will watch you or your child to see whether there are any issues with the medication.
Finding the best medication for your child or yourself might take some time. It's best to be open with your health care provider and communicate clearly. They may suggest changes in how often you or your child takes the medication or even when it's required at all. They may also want to know if you or your child have any other mental or medical conditions.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants are used to treat ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of important neurotransmitters in the brain. This can increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These two chemicals are essential for the functioning of the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain (think of it as your "secretary" in the executive functioning part of your brain). Stimulant medications are effective for the majority of ADHD children. Your doctor will assist you to determine the right dosage and medication for your child. It is possible to test various types of medications before you discover the one that is right for you or your children.
You can take these stimulants in chewable tablets or liquid form. These medications begin working quickly and last for three or four hours. The "crash effect" is a sign that the medicine wears out. This is characterized by rapid reduction in energy levels as well as an intense hunger. There are also long-acting stimulants like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine. They are more complex and require prescription. They are injected in the bloodstream, and they are activated in the red blood cells.
Finding the right medication, dosage and schedule for your child or for yourself can take time. Your doctor will track how you respond to medication and will be on the lookout for any issues like trouble sleeping. They will also talk to you about non-stimulant medication if you or your child are not responding well to the stimulants.
It is not advisable to alter or stop taking your ADHD medication without talking to your doctor first. Inform your doctor if you take any over-the counter medications or supplements, as some may interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
For 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD stimulant medication is effective in decreasing hyperactivity, interrupting behavior, fidgeting and impulsivity. They can also help people concentrate, complete tasks and maintain relationships. They can't help with moodiness, or other nagging symptoms. They can also trigger side effects such as sleepiness, loss of appetite and anxiety. They can also trigger stomachaches, changes in heart rhythm, and high blood pressure.
These medications work in phases to treat ADHD symptoms all day long. The majority begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes and fade within 3 to 6 hours. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with other types of ADHD treatment, like behavioral therapy.
Some of these stimulants that act long-lastingly, including atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine-ER (Intuniv), last through the night and into the next morning. more.. recommend using them to fill an afternoon trough, so that patients do not require a second dose of medication during school or afterschool.
Long-acting stimulants do not increase dopamine levels as much as short- and intermediate-acting drugs, but they do increase their levels significantly. They don't have the same effects on rebound as stimulants with shorter durations.
Long-acting stimulants, due to the possibility of adverse effects, are usually prescribed as a second treatment for adults with ADHD and older teens. They are also used to treat some people suffering from ADHD when other medications haven't helped.
While medication can aid in improving concentration and self control but it's not the only option for people suffering from ADHD. In conjunction with a healthy sleeping routine and healthy eating habits, along with other self-help strategies, it's often possible to eliminate or reduce the necessity for ADHD medicine.