How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When one neuron sends a message to another neuron, it uses chemicals called neurotransmitters. They must traverse a small gap, which is known as the synapse.
Certain ADHD medications can 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 start people with ADHD with a small dose of medication and then observe their responses. They adjust the dosage gradually to find the "sweet spot," the lowest dose that shows a noticeable improvement in symptoms, and has a few adverse effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first type of medication doctors often try to help kids with ADHD. It increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in children's brains, which help them pay attention and stay focused. It also decreases their hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is important to remember that methylphenidate is a controlled substance and should only be used under a doctor's supervision.
The most well-known methylphenidate drug is Ritalin. It's available as tablets with immediate release (Ritalin, Concerta, or Quillichew ER) chewable tablets with a long-acting mechanism (Cotempla XR-ODT or Adhansia XR) or long-acting capsules (Adhansia PM or Jornay PM). Some versions of the medication contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener), which can be hazardous for people suffering from phenylketonuria, an inherited condition causing severe intellectual disability. Make sure you inform your doctor about any food allergies that you or your child may have.
Researchers have discovered that methylphenidate may reduce abnormal activity, especially in the accumbens' nucleus and also a network of brain networks that are involved in adaptive control. This is the reason why methylphenidate was found to be one of the most effective medications in treating ADHD.
The effects of stimulants can be averted that include loss of appetite, sleepiness, stomach upset headache, anxiety, agitation and antics. These are rare, but they can be serious. If you notice them you must contact your doctor immediately. You should also inform your doctor if your child is suffering from allergies, a history of heart disease or depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions or glaucoma, a past history of seizures or stroke or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), the methylene blue, or phenelzine (Nardil). It is important to take methylphenidate exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines speed up messages between brain cells and help you concentrate your thoughts and ignore distractions. They are among the most commonly prescribed drugs for treating ADHD in adults and children. They increase the levels neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in your brain. Amphetamines can be found in short-acting (immediate release) and intermediate- or long-acting forms. They can be taken orally or by injection.
Some people have a tough time with the side effects of stimulant medication like sleeplessness, insomnia, or an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Your doctor will be able to monitor your symptoms and adjust the dose to find the right one for you. Some patients may need to take a mix of medications to get the desired effects.
The effects of stimulants are mediated by two neurotransmitters that are essential to the pre-frontal cortex, which is the brain part that helps regulate emotions and control your behavior. These drugs are prescribed to treat a variety of mental health issues, including ADD/ADHD, depression anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression.
The most common kinds of stimulant drugs include 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 stimulants to longer-acting stimulants - and can be taken orally, or injected. Students, truck drivers and teenagers who need more energy to compete in endurance sports may abuse amphetamines. Amphetamines may cause psychological and physical problems when misused, particularly at higher doses.
ADHD can be treated with non-stimulant medications. 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 drugs are used to treat children and teenagers with ADHD. These medications can be taken orally or applied to the skin. They are available as pills that can be swallowed or chewed or chewed, capsules that can be opened and sprinkled onto food items, and liquid patches. These drugs are usually only available with a prescription. These include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin (Concerta, Focalin (Daytrana) and amphetamines (Adderall (Dexedrine, Vyvanse)). Short-acting stimulants are fast-acting and last for 3 to 6 hours.
These medications alleviate symptoms for 70% to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They can reduce fidgeting and interrupting, and make it easier to complete tasks. They also help improve academic performance and relationships. They don't fix the underlying issues that cause ADHD. It's crucial to combine them with behavioral therapy.
It's also important to understand that ADHD medications can have adverse effects. You may feel drowsy or cranky. You may also feel sleepy. But these effects are usually small and disappear as the medication is gone from your body. Your doctor might advise you to start with a smaller dose and increase it gradually. They'll watch to see how the medication affects you or your child and check for any issues.
Finding the best medication for your child or yourself may take some time. It is recommended to speak openly with your health care provider. They might suggest changes to how often you or your child is taking the medication, or whether it's necessary at all. They may also be looking to determine if you or your child have any other medical or mental issues.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants control ADHD symptoms by altering neurotransmitter activity 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 area of the brain (think of it as your "secretary" in the executive function part of your brain). The majority of kids who suffer from ADHD respond well to stimulant medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medication and dosage for you. adhd medication for adults uk is possible to try different types of medication before finding the one that is right for you or your child.
You can take these stimulants in chewable tablets or liquid form. They are quick-acting and last for three to four hours. Some people experience a problem when the medication wears off, a process known as the "crash effect." This typically results in a sharp drop in energy, and may result in intense hunger. There are also stimulants that act long-lastingly, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine. These are more complicated and require prescriptions. They are injected in the bloodstream and are activated in the red blood cell.
It can take time to find the correct dosage, medication and schedule for your child or you. Your doctor will observe your reaction to the medication and look for any issues such as sleep issues. If you or your child are not responding well to stimulants, they will also discuss non-stimulant medication.
You should never 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, since some could interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant medications work for 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD and help cut the amount of hyperactivity, interruptions, fidgeting, and impulsivity. They can also increase focus and help people finish tasks and maintain relationships. They might not help reduce moodiness, or other troubling symptoms. They may also cause adverse effects like the loss of appetite, insomnia and nervousness. They may also cause stomachaches, heart rhythm changes and high blood pressure.
These medications work in phases, helping to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. Most of these medications begin to work in 30 to 60 minutes, and fade after 3 to 6 hours. They can be used on their own or with other types of ADHD treatment, such as behavioral therapy.
Some of these long-acting stimulants, including atomoxetine (Intuniv) and Guanfacine (Strattera), can last all night and the next morning. Some doctors recommend using them to fill an afternoon trough, so patients do not require a second dose of medication at school or after school.
Long-acting stimulants don't increase dopamine levels to the same extent as intermediate- or short-acting drugs. However, they increase dopamine levels significantly. They don't have the same effects on rebound as shorter-acting stimulants.
Due to the possibility of adverse effects Because of the potential for side effects, long-acting stimulants are generally prescribed as a last-line treatment for adults and teens suffering from ADHD. However, they can also be used as a first-line treatment for those with ADHD who haven't had a response to other medications.
Although medication can aid in improving self-control and concentration, it is not the only option for those with ADHD. Combined with good sleep habits, healthy eating, and other self-help strategies it's usually possible to decrease or eliminate the need for ADHD medication.