This Is The Myths And Facts Behind Does ADHD Medication Work
How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When one neuron sends a message to another, it uses chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals must travel through a small gap that is called a synapse.
Certain ADHD medications can increase the efficiency of these messages. They can aid neurons in releasing more neurotransmitters, or slow down the process of reuptake (called reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors start people with ADHD with a low dose of medication and observe their reactions. They alter the dosage as they go along to determine the "sweet spot" -- the lowest level that shows clear improvement in symptoms with few adverse side effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most common type of medication doctors often attempt to offer to children suffering from ADHD. It increases the amount of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in children's brains, which aids them in paying attention and focus. It also reduces their hyperactivity and impulsivity. Be aware that methylphenidate should only be taken under the supervision of a physician since it is a controlled substance.
Ritalin is the most common methylphenidate drug. It's available in immediate-release tablets (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). Certain forms of the medication contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener), which can be hazardous for people suffering from the genetic condition phenylketonuria causing severe intellectual disability. Inform your doctor if you or your child suffer from food allergies.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate can reduce aberrant activity, especially in the accumbens' nucleus as well as a set of brain networks that are involved in regulating adaptive control. This is the reason why methylphenidate was found to be among the most effective drugs for treating ADHD.
The effects of stimulants can be averted that can include the loss of appetite, sleepiness, stomach upset headache, anxiety, agitation and antics. They are not common however they can be serious. If you notice them you should contact your doctor right away. It is also important to inform your doctor if you or your child suffers from allergies or the presence of heart disease or bipolar disorder, depression or other mental health conditions, glaucoma, a history of seizures or strokes, or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, or phenelzine (Nardil). It is essential to take methylphenidate exactly as recommended by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines can help you focus on your thoughts and avoid distractions by speeding up the messages between brain cells. They are the most frequently prescribed drugs for treating ADHD in adults and children. They increase the levels 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 have a tough dealing with the adverse effects of stimulant medications, such as restlessness, difficulty sleeping or a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor the symptoms and adjust the dosage to determine the right one for you. Some patients may need to take a combination of medications to get the desired effects.
Stimulant drugs affect two essential neurotransmitters within the pre-frontal cortex, which is the brain region which regulates your emotions and regulate your behavior. These drugs are prescribed to treat a wide range of mental health disorders that include ADD/ADHD, as well as other disorders like bipolar disorder, narcolepsy, and eating disorders.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are among the most popular stimulant drugs. The FDA has approved a variety of brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They are available in various forms - from short-acting stimulants to long-acting stimulants - and can be taken orally or injectable. Truck drivers, students and teenagers who require more energy to do endurance sports may abuse amphetamines. Amphetamines can cause psychological and physical problems when used improperly, especially in higher doses.
Non-stimulant medications are also effective in 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 do, however they are less likely to cause the symptoms of tics in those with Tourette syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medicines are used to treat teens and children with ADHD. They can be taken through the mouth or applied to the skin. They are available in liquids and patches as well as pills that can either be chewed or swallowed. They are generally only available with a doctor's 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 alle via te symptoms in 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD. They reduce fidgeting and interruptions, and make it easier to complete your tasks. They can also improve academic performance and relationships. But they don't solve the root causes of ADHD. So it's important to use them in conjunction with behavior therapy.
It is important to be aware that ADHD medications can have side effects. You might feel sleepy or cranky, or even sleepy. These effects are usually mild, and they disappear as soon as the medication is gone from your system. Your doctor might ask you to take an initial dose of a small amount and then increase it gradually. They will be watching you or your child to determine whether there are any issues with the medication.
Finding the right medication for your child or yourself could take some time. It's best to open with your health care team and communicate clearly. They may suggest changes to the frequency at which you or your child take the medication, or even if it's needed at all. They will also want to know whether you or your child has any other medical or mental ailments.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants work to control ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of important neurotransmitters in the brain. This boosts the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine, two substances that are important for the pre-frontal cortical area of the brain. (Think of it as "your secretary" in the executive function part of your brain). Stimulant medication is effective for most ADHD children. Your doctor will work with you to figure out what kind of medication and dose is best for you. You may have to try various types of medicines before you find the one that is most effective for you or your child.
You can take immediate-release stimulants in liquid form or chewable tablets. They perform quickly and last for up to four hours. The "crash effect" can occur when the medication wears off. This is characterized by rapid decrease in energy levels and extreme hunger. There are also long-acting stimulants, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine. These are a little more complicated and require a prescription. They are injected into the bloodstream and are then converted from inactive active in red blood cells.
It takes time to find the right dosage, medication and schedule for you or your child. Your doctor will track how you respond to medication and look for signs like trouble sleeping. They will also advise you about non-stimulant medications if you or your child are not responding well to the stimulants.
It is not advisable to stop or change your ADHD medication without talking to your doctor first. Inform your doctor if use any prescription medications or supplements, since some could interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
For 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD stimulant medications work in decreasing hyperactivity, interrupting behavior such as fidgeting, impulsivity and fidgeting. They also help improve focus and help people finish their tasks and maintain relationships. However, they aren't able to reduce moodiness or other troublesome symptoms. They can also cause negative effects, such as the loss of appetite, insomnia stomachaches, jitteriness, changes in heart rhythm, and high blood pressure.
These medications work in phases, helping to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. The majority begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes, and fade in 3 to 6 hours. They can be utilized in combination with other types of ADHD treatment, such as behavioral therapy.
Some of these long acting stimulants, such as atomoxetine-ER (Intuniv) and Guanfacine (Strattera) can last all night and the next day. Some doctors recommend taking them in the afternoon to avoid patients from having to take additional medication during school or afterschool.
Long-acting stimulants don't increase dopamine levels in the same way as intermediate- or short-acting drugs. However, they still have a significant effect on dopamine levels. This means that they don't trigger the same kind of rebound effects that occur with shorter-acting drugs.
Due to the possibility of side effects Due to the possibility of side effects, long-acting stimulants are usually prescribed as a second-line treatment for adults and teens with ADHD. They can also be used to treat some people suffering from ADHD when other medications haven't helped.
Although medication can aid in improving self-control and concentration however, it's not the only option for those with ADHD. Combined with good sleep habits and healthy eating habits, along with other self-help strategies it's possible to eliminate or reduce the need for ADHD medicine.