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How Does Medication For ADHD Work?
Stimulants can enhance your ability to focus and control impulses by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain. They are available in immediate release (short-acting) and extended-release tablets that are taken every day, typically in the morning.
Nonstimulant drugs have a longer time to work, but they can improve attention and impulse control. Atomoxetine, Viloxazine and guanfacine are antidepressants that raise levels of norepinephrine.
Stimulants
The most frequently prescribed ADHD medication includes stimulants such as dexamphetamine, methylphenidate, and lisdexamfetamine. These medications increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters help the prefrontal cortex, which controls the process of planning and organizing tasks. The stimulants help reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70 percent to 80% children and adults who take them. These symptoms include fumbling and talking over others. They also include forgetfulness, difficulty finishing or completing tasks, as well as difficulty in complete tasks. Medicines can also help with social issues that include not listening to others or having trouble keeping promises.
The medication begins to work once it has crossed the blood-brain boundaries which can take between 45 to 60 minutes. This explains why people often notice changes right away. For children, a physician may use the "start low and then increase" approach by increasing the dosage gradually over a period of three or four weeks. During this period teachers and parents are able to provide feedback about whether the medication is assisting. GPs can assess the effects using scales like the Connor Global Index score, which measures a child's performance against other children similar in age and gender, but without ADHD.
The GP will talk to the patient and their family members about the advantages, risks and side effects of different medications. It is important to be honest, particularly when the medication doesn't appear to be making a difference. The GP may suggest alternative treatment.
Non-stimulant drugs
ADHD can be treated using different medications. Some are antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is a neurotransmitter stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as other older medications like tricyclics. These medications are less likely than stimulants to cause side effects, but can take a while to work.
Psychiatric disorders
Disorders of the mind, such as depression and anxiety, can be co-occurring with ADHD and make it more difficult for patients to get the most benefit from their medications. In medication for adult add , a physician will treat the mood disorder and then assess their patient.
Abuse
The use of stimulants can be problematic particularly among teens and adolescents, who are often prescribed them due to their energy-boosting or weight-loss properties. They also are prone to abuse by those who have an history of alcohol or drug misuse or a family or personal history of mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder.
It can be disappointing to not notice immediate results from ADHD medication. But it is important to remember that a majority of people will have to test several types of medication before they find one that gives relief from their symptoms. It is also crucial to remain with the medication as long as you can, and make regular visits with the GP to keep track of the progress of the medication and look for any adverse effects. The GP will then decide if a dosage increase is necessary or if it's the right time to switch to a new medication. GPs can help identify the behavioral and lifestyle changes that could enhance the effect of medication.