Does ADHD Medication Work: Myths And Facts Behind Does ADHD Medication Work
How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When one neuron sends a signal to another, it makes use of neurotransmitters or chemicals. These chemicals must cross a tiny gap known as a synapse.
Some ADHD medications boost the effectiveness of these messages. They may help neurons release more neurotransmitters or slow the process of reuptake (called reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors start people with ADHD on a low dose of medication and observe their responses. They adjust the dosage gradually to discover the "sweet spot," the lowest dose that shows a noticeable improvement in symptoms, and has a few adverse effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most common type of medication doctors often try to help kids with ADHD. It increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brains of children, which aids them in paying attention and stay focused. It also reduces their hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is important to remember that methylphenidate is a controlled drug and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor.
The most commonly used methylphenidate medicine is Ritalin. It is available in tablets that release immediately as well as chewable tablets and capsules. Some versions of this medication contain the artificial sweetener aspartame, which can be hazardous for those suffering from phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that can cause severe intellectual impairment). Inform your doctor if or your child have food allergies.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate can reduce abnormal activity in certain areas of the brain, including the nucleus accumbens and the brain's three networks that play a role in the process of adaptive control. This may explain why methylphenidate has been found to be among the most effective drugs for treating ADHD.
Stimulants can trigger side effects that include the loss of appetite and sleepiness, stomach upset headache, anxiety, agitation, and the tics. These aren't common however they can be serious. If you notice them you must contact your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor about any heart disease, allergies, depression, bipolar disorders or other mental health issues, glaucoma or seizures. Also, inform them that you or your child have a history. It's important to take methylphenidate exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines can help you focus on your thoughts and ignore distractions by speeding up the communication between brain cells. They are among the most commonly prescribed medications for treating ADHD in adults and children. They increase the level of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. Amphetamines can be found in short-acting (immediate-release) and intermediate or long-acting forms. They can be taken either orally or via injection.
Some people are afflicted by the side effects of stimulant medications, such as restlessness or difficulties sleeping, or an increased heart rate or high 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 a mixture of medicines to achieve the desired effect.
The effects of stimulants are primarily on two neurotransmitters that are located in the prefrontal cortex. This is the region of the brain which regulates emotions and manages your behavior. These drugs are used to treat a range of mental health problems, including ADD/ADHD, depression anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are the most popular stimulant drugs. The FDA has approved a variety of brand-name stimulants for treating ADHD. They are available in a variety of forms, ranging from short-acting to long-acting, and are administered either by injection or orally. Students, truck drivers and teens who require more energy to compete in endurance sports can abuse amphetamines. Amphetamines can trigger mental and physical issues when used improperly, especially in higher doses.
Non-stimulant medications can also be effective for treating ADHD. They 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 are, but they are less likely to cause the tics of people suffering from Tourette syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medications are used to treat teens and children with ADHD. These medications can be taken orally or applied to the skin. They are available in liquids and patches as well as pills that can be chewed or swallowed. They are usually available only with a prescription from a doctor. 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 ease symptoms in 70-80 percent of children and adults with ADHD. They can reduce the need to fidget and interrupting, making it easier to complete tasks. They can also improve academic performance and relationships. However, they aren't able to address the underlying problems that cause ADHD. So it's important to use them along with behavior therapy.
It is important to be aware that ADHD medications can have adverse effects. They can cause you to be drowsy or cranky, and can affect your sleep. These effects are usually mild and disappear when the medication is gone from your system. Your doctor may ask you to start with a smaller dose and increase it gradually. They'll monitor how the medication affects your child or you, and check for any issues.
Finding the appropriate medication for your child or yourself might take some time. It is recommended to speak openly with your health care provider. They might suggest changes to the frequency at which you or your child takes the medication or even whether it's necessary at all. They'll also want to know whether you or your child has any other mental or medical ailments.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants help to manage ADHD symptoms by altering neurotransmitter activity in the brain. This boosts the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine, two chemical substances that are crucial for the pre-frontal cortical region of the brain. (Think of it as "your secretary" in the executive function part of your brain). Most kids with ADHD respond well to stimulant medications. Your doctor can help you determine the right dosage and medication for your child. You may need to test different types of medication before you find the one that works best for you or your child.
You can take stimulants that release immediately in liquid form and chewable tablets. These drugs start working quickly and last for three to four hours. The "crash effect" can occur when the medication wears off. This is characterized by a sudden reduction in energy levels as well as intense hunger. There are also stimulants that act long-lastingly like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine. These are more complicated and require prescriptions. They are injected in the bloodstream and become active in the red blood cells.
It can take time to find the right medication, dosage, and schedule for your child or you. Your doctor will track how you respond to medication and watch for problems like trouble sleeping. They will also advise you about non-stimulant medication for children or parents who aren't responding well to stimulants.
You should never stop or change your ADHD medication without talking to your doctor first. Inform your doctor if you take any over-the counter medications or supplements, since some can interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
For 70-80% adults and children with ADHD stimulant medications work in decreasing hyperactivity, interrupting behavior such as fidgeting, impulsivity and fidgeting. adhd medication side effects help improve focus and help people finish tasks and maintain relationships. However, they might not reduce moodiness or other problematic symptoms. They can also trigger negative side effects, such as the loss of appetite, insomnia and anxiety. They may also cause stomachaches, changes in the heart rhythm, and high blood pressure.
These drugs work in phases to treat ADHD symptoms all day long. The majority begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes, and wear off within 3 to 6 hours. They are often utilized in combination with other types of ADHD treatment, such as behavioral therapy.
Some of these stimulants with long-acting effects such as the atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine-ER (Intuniv) are able to last through the night and into the next morning. Some doctors suggest taking these in the afternoon to avoid patients from needing additional medication at school or after school.
Long-acting stimulants don't boost dopamine levels as much as intermediate- and short-acting drugs, yet they raise their levels significantly. They don't have the same rebound effects as stimulants with shorter durations.
Because of the potential for negative side effects Due to the possibility of side effects, long-acting stimulants are usually prescribed as a last-line treatment for adults and teens with ADHD. They can also be used to treat some people suffering from ADHD if other medications haven't worked.
While medication can help improve concentration and self-control, it's not the whole answer for those suffering from ADHD. When combined with a healthy sleep routine, healthy eating, and other strategies for self-help, it's often possible to reduce or eliminate the necessity for ADHD medicine.