How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When a neuron sends a message to another neuron, it makes use of neurotransmitters or chemicals. These need to cross a tiny gap called a synapse.
Some ADHD medications help in the passing along of these messages more effective. They can aid neurons in releasing more neurotransmitters or slow the reuptake process (called reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors start ADHD patients with a low dose and then monitor their response. They gradually adjust the dosage to find the "sweet spot," the lowest dose that results in a significant improvement in symptoms, and has a few side effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate the first medication that doctors use to treat ADHD kids, is often Methylphenidate. It helps by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in kids' brains which help them focus and pay attention. It also reduces their impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is important to keep in mind that the methylphenidate drug is a controlled substance and should only be used under a doctor's supervision.
The most common methylphenidate medication is Ritalin. It's available in immediate-release tablets (Ritalin, Concerta, or Quillichew ER), long-acting chewable tablets (Cotempla XR-ODT or Adhansia XR) or long-acting capsules (Adhansia PM or Jornay PM). Some versions of this medication contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, which is harmful for those suffering from phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that can cause severe intellectual disability). Tell your provider if you or your child suffer from food allergies.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate can reduce abnormal activity in parts of the brain, including the nucleus accumbens as well as the brain's three networks that play an important role in the process of adaptive control. This could explain why methylphenidate has been found to be among the most effective medications for treating ADHD.
Stimulants can cause side effects that can include loss of appetite as well as stomach upset, sleepiness headache, anxiety, anxiety and the tics. These aren't common but they could be serious. If they occur you must contact your doctor right away. Inform your doctor of any allergies, heart diseases, depression, bipolar disorders or other mental health issues, glaucoma or seizures. Also, tell them whether your child or you have a history. It is essential to take methylphenidate exactly as prescribed by your physician.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines boost the speed of communication between brain cells. They can help you focus your thoughts and avoid distractions. These are the most commonly prescribed medications for treating ADHD in both children and adults. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. Amphetamines are available both in short-acting (immediate-release) and intermediate or long-acting varieties. They can be ingested or by injection.
Some people are troubled by the negative side effects of stimulant medications, such as restlessness or difficulties sleeping, or an increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Your doctor will observe your symptoms and adjust the dosage to find the right one for you. Some people may have to take a combination of medicines to achieve the desired effect.
Stimulant drugs affect two essential neurotransmitters within the pre-frontal cortex. This is the part of your brain that regulates emotions and control your behavior. These medications are prescribed for a wide variety of mental health issues that include ADD/ADHD, as well as other conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, narcolepsy, and eating disorders.
The most commonly used kinds of stimulant drugs are methylphenidates and amphetamines. The FDA has approved dozens of brand-name stimulants for treating ADHD. They are available in various forms - from short-acting stimulants to long-acting stimulants - and can be taken orally, or injectable. Amphetamines are frequently misused by teenagers who take them to stay awake and focus for tests or by truck drivers and students who require extra energy for endurance sports. Amphetamines may cause mental and physical issues when misused, particularly at higher doses.
Non-stimulant medications are also 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 built on the same chemical that stimulants are, but they are less likely to cause the tics of people suffering from Tourette syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medications are prescribed to treat adolescents and children with ADHD. These medications can be taken orally or applied to the skin. They are available in patches and liquids and pills that can be chewed or swallowed. These drugs are usually only available through prescription. These medications include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana), and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse). Short-acting stimulants are fast-acting and last for about 3 to 6 hours.
These drugs ease symptoms for 70 percent to 80% children and adults with ADHD. They reduce fidgeting and interruptions, and make it easier to complete tasks. They also help improve academic performance and relationships. But they don't solve the underlying problems that cause ADHD. So it's important to use them along with behavior therapy.
It's also important to recognize that ADHD medicines have side effects. You might feel tired or cranky, or even sleepy. These effects are usually mild and disappear once the medicine leaves your system. Your doctor might advise you to start with a small dosage and gradually increase it. They'll monitor how the medication affects your child or you and check for any issues.
Finding the best medication for you or your children might take some time. It is important to communicate openly with your health care provider. adhd in adults medication might suggest a change in the frequency of medication that you or your child take, or if any medication is needed at any time. They'll also be looking to determine whether you or your child is suffering from any other medical or mental health conditions.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants are used to treat ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of important neurotransmitters in the brain. This helps increase the levels of dopamine as well as norepinephrine, two chemicals that are vital to 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). The majority of kids with ADHD respond well to stimulant medication. Your doctor can help you determine the right dosage and medication for you. You may have to try various types of medications before you find the one that is suitable for you or your children.
You can consume these stimulants in liquid or chewable tablet form. They are quick-acting and last for three to four hours. Some people have a problem when the medication wears off, a process known as the "crash effect." It usually results in an abrupt decrease in energy and can cause intense hunger. Long-acting stimulants (like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine) are also available. These are more complex and require a prescription. They are injected into the bloodstream, and are activated in the red blood cell.
Finding the appropriate dosage, medication and schedule for your child or for yourself can take a lot of time. Your doctor will keep track of how you react to the medication and will be on the lookout for any issues 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.
It is not advisable to discontinue or alter your ADHD medication without speaking to your doctor first. It is also essential to inform your doctor about any over-the-counter supplements or medications you're taking, as some of them can interact with some 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 can also increase focus and help people complete tasks and maintain relationships. They might not help reduce moodiness or other troublesome symptoms. They can also cause negative effects, such as sleepiness, loss of appetite stomachaches, jitteriness, changes in heart rhythm, and high blood pressure.
The medicines work in stages, helping to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. Most of these drugs begin to work within 30 to 60 minutes. They wear off after 3 to 6 hours. adhd in adults medication can be used on their own or with other types of ADHD treatment, like behavioral therapy.
Some of these stimulants with long-acting effects like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine-ER (Intuniv) are able to last through the night and into the morning. Some doctors suggest using them to fill up an afternoon trough so that patients do not require a second dose at school or after school.
Long-acting stimulants don't increase dopamine levels as rapidly as intermediate- and short-acting drugs, but they do increase them significantly. As a result, they don't trigger the same kind of rebound effects that can occur with shorter-acting drugs.
Long-acting stimulants due to the possibility of adverse effects, are usually prescribed as a second treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and teens who are older. However, they can also be used as a first-line treatment option for those with ADHD who haven't responded to other medications.
Although medication can aid in improving concentration and self control, it is not the only option for people suffering from ADHD. With the help of a good night's sleeping habits, healthy diets and other self-help strategies, it is often possible to reduce, or even eliminate, the need for ADHD medication.