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How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When one neuron sends signals to another, it uses neurotransmitters or chemicals. They must travel through a tiny gap known as the synapse.
Certain ADHD medications make the transmission of these messages more effective. They can help neurons release more neurotransmitters or slow the reuptake process (called reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors put patients suffering from ADHD with a small dose of medication and observe their responses. They alter the dosage over time to determine the "sweet place" -the lowest dose that shows clear improvement in symptoms with few 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 children's brains which help them focus and pay attention. It also reduces their hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is important to remember that methylphenidate is a controlled substance and should only be used under the supervision of a physician.
The most common methylphenidate medication is Ritalin. It's available as tablets with immediate release (Ritalin, Concerta, or Quillichew ER) chewable tablets that are long-acting (Cotempla XR-ODT or Adhansia XR) or long-acting capsules (Adhansia PM or Jornay PM). Certain forms of the medication contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener) which is hazardous for people suffering from Phenylketonuria, a genetic condition that causes severe intellectual disabilities. Tell your provider if you or your child have food allergies.
Researchers have discovered that methylphenidate decreases abnormal activity in various parts of the brain, such as the nucleus accumbens and a brain network comprised of three networks that play an important role in the process of adaptive control. This may explain why methylphenidate is one of the most effective drugs to treat ADHD.
Stimulants can cause side effects which include a an increase in appetite and sleepiness, stomach upset, headache, anxiety or disturbances and the tics. They aren't common, but they could be serious. It is important to consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. Inform your doctor of any heart disease, allergies, depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health issues, glaucoma or seizures. Also, tell them if your child or you have a history of. It's important to take methylphenidate exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines speed up messages between brain cells and can aid in focusing your mind and ignore distractions. They are the most commonly used drugs used to treat ADHD in adults and children. They increase the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Amphetamines can be found in short-acting (immediate release) and intermediate- or long-acting form. They can be consumed orally as well as via injection.
Some people have a difficult time with the side effects of stimulant drugs like sleeplessness, insomnia, or an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor will 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 important neurotransmitters in the pre-frontal cortex. This is the brain part that regulates emotions and control your behavior. These medications are prescribed to treat a wide variety of mental health issues such as ADD/ADHD and ailments like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, narcolepsy and eating disorders.
The most common kinds of stimulant drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidates. The FDA has approved dozens brand-name stimulants for treating ADHD. They are available in various forms ranging from stimulants that are short-acting to long-acting stimulants - and can be taken orally or injectable. Amphetamines are frequently misused by teens who use them to stay awake and concentrate for tests or by truck drivers and students who need an extra boost of energy to compete in endurance sports. They can also cause physical and psychological problems if misused, especially with higher doses.
ADHD can be treated using non-stimulant drugs. 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 work on the same chemicals as stimulants, but are less likely to make more tics, which is a problem for those with Tourette's Syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medicines are used to treat teens 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. adhd for adults medication are usually available only with a doctor's prescription. The medications 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 70-80 percent of children and adults with ADHD. They help reduce fidgeting and interrupting, and make it easier to finish tasks. They can also improve relationships and academic performance. They don't fix the underlying issues that create ADHD. It's important to combine the two therapies with behavior therapy.
It's important to know that ADHD medication can cause side effects. You might feel tired, cranky, or sleepless. These effects are usually mild and will disappear when the medication is gone from your system. Your doctor may suggest you take an initial dose of a small amount and then increase it gradually. They will be watching you or your child closely to determine whether there are any issues with the medication.
Finding the right medication for you or your children might take some time. It is best to communicate openly with your health care team. They might suggest a change in the frequency of medications that you or your child is taking or if any medication is required at all. They'll also be looking to determine if you or your child is suffering from any other medical or mental health conditions.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants work to control ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain. This increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemical substances that are crucial for the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain. (Think of it as "your secretary" in the executive function part of your mind). Most kids who suffer from ADHD respond well to stimulant medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the right medication and dosage for you. You may need to test various types of medicines before you find the one that is right for you or your child.
You can take these stimulants in liquid or chewable tablet form. They begin to work quickly and last for three to four hours. Some people experience a problem when the medication wears off, a phenomenon known as the "crash effect." This usually involves an immediate decrease in energy and can cause extreme hunger. There are also stimulants that act long-lastingly like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. They are more complex and require a prescription. They are injected into the bloodstream and change from inactive to active in red blood cells.
It takes time to determine the right medication, dosage and schedule for your child or yourself. Your doctor will track how you respond to the medication and look for signs like trouble sleeping. They will also inform you about medications that are not stimulant if you or your child aren't responding well to stimulants.
You should never discontinue or alter your ADHD medication without consulting your doctor first. Inform your doctor if take any over-the counter medications or supplements, since some can interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant medications work for 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD, helping to cut the amount of hyperactivity, interruptions, fidgeting, and impulsivity. They also help increase focus and help people complete tasks and maintain relationships. They might not help reduce moodiness or other troublesome symptoms. They may also cause adverse effects like the loss of appetite, insomnia and anxiety. They can also trigger stomachaches, heart rhythm changes and high blood pressure.
These medications work in phases aiding in the treatment of ADHD symptoms throughout the daytime. The majority of these medications start to work within 30 to 60 minutes. They fade after 3 to 6 hours. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with other forms of ADHD treatment, such as behavioral therapy.
Some of these stimulants with long-acting effects like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine-ER (Intuniv) will last throughout the night and into the next morning. Some doctors recommend taking them to fill an afternoon trough so that patients do not require an additional dose of medication at school or in the afternoon.
Long-acting stimulants don't boost dopamine levels as dramatically as short- and intermediate-acting drugs, yet they increase them significantly. Therefore, they don't cause the same kind of rebound effects as occur with shorter-acting drugs.
Long-acting stimulants, due to the possibility of adverse effects they are typically prescribed as a second treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and teens who are older. They can also be used to treat some patients with ADHD if other medications haven't helped.
While medication can help improve concentration and self-control however, it's not the only solution for those with ADHD. In conjunction with a healthy sleep routine and healthy eating habits, as well as other strategies for self-help, it's often possible to reduce or eliminate the necessity for ADHD medicine.