What Does ADHD Medication Work Experts Want You To Know
How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When one neuron sends a message to another neuron, it uses chemicals called neurotransmitters. These need to traverse a small gap, which is known as the synapse.
Certain ADHD medications increase the efficiency of these messages. They either help neurons release more neurotransmitters or slow down the reuptake process (called Reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors place patients with ADHD with a low dose of medication, and then monitor their reactions. They gradually increase the dosage to find the "sweet spot," the lowest dose that produces a clear improvement in symptoms and produces fewer adverse effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate the first medication that doctors attempt to use to help ADHD children, is usually Methylphenidate. It increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in children's brains, which helps them pay attention and concentrate. It also decreases their hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is important to keep in mind that the methylphenidate drug is a controlled substance and should only be used under a doctor's supervision.
Ritalin is the most common methylphenidate drug. 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). Certain versions of the medication contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener), which can be harmful for those suffering from the genetic condition phenylketonuria causing severe intellectual disability. Make sure you inform your provider about any food allergies that you or your child may have.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate reduces aberrant activity in various parts of the brain, which includes the nucleus accumbens and the brain's three networks that play a role in the process of adaptive control. This is the reason why methylphenidate is considered to be one of the most effective drugs for treating ADHD.
Side effects of stimulants include headaches, nausea, insomnia anxiety, agitation, the tics and agitation. These are not common, but they can be serious. If they occur, you should call your doctor immediately. You should also tell your doctor if you or your child is suffering from allergies or an underlying heart condition, bipolar disorder, depression or other mental health problems such as glaucoma, a history of seizures or stroke or if you're taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, or phenelzine (Nardil). It is essential to take your methylphenidate as prescribed by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines boost the speed of communication between brain cells and can help you concentrate your thoughts and ignore distractions. These are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in adults and children. They increase the levels neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. Amphetamines are available both in short-acting (immediate-release) and intermediate or long-acting versions. They can be consumed orally as well as via injection.
Certain people are affected by the adverse effects of stimulant medication such as restlessness or difficulties sleeping, or an increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Your doctor will be able to monitor your symptoms and adjust the dose to find the best one for you. Some patients may need to take multiple medications to achieve the desired outcome.
The effects of stimulants are primarily on two neurotransmitters located in the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain which regulates emotions and manages your behavior. These medications are used to treat a range of mental health issues such as depression, ADD/ADHD anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression.
The most common kinds of stimulant drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidates. 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. They can be consumed orally or injected. Amphetamines are frequently misused by teenagers who take them to keep awake and study for tests or by truck drivers and students that require an extra boost of energy to compete in endurance sports. They can also cause psychological and physical problems if used in excess, particularly with higher doses.
Non-stimulant medicines can also be effective for treating ADHD. 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 made up of the same chemical that stimulants are, but they are less likely to exacerbate the symptoms of tics in those with Tourette syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medicines are used to treat children and teenagers with ADHD. They can be taken through the mouth or applied on the skin. They are available in liquids and patches as well as pills that can be swallowed or chewed. These drugs are usually only available through prescription. These include methylphenidate, (brand names Ritalin (Concerta, Focalin (Daytrana) and amphetamines (Adderall (Dexedrine, Vyvanse)). Short-acting stimulants are fast acting and last from 3 to 6 hours.
These medications ease symptoms for 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD. They reduce the tendency to fidget and interruptions, and make it easier to finish tasks. They can also improve academic performance and relationships. However, they can't address the root causes of ADHD. It's important to combine the two therapies with behavior therapy.
It is also important to know that ADHD medications can have adverse effects. You might feel tired, cranky, or sleepless. But these effects are usually minimal and will disappear once the medicine leaves your body. Your doctor may advise you to start with a small dose and increase it gradually. They will be watching you or your child to determine whether there are any issues with the medication.
Finding the best medication for you or your children might take some time. It is best to be honest with your health care provider and communicate clearly. They might suggest a change in the frequency of medication that you or your child is taking or if any medication is required at all. They may also want to know whether you or your child suffer from any other medical or mental issues.
Intermediate stimulants
The stimulants help to manage ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain. This boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two substances that are important for 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 with ADHD respond well to stimulant medications. Your doctor will help you determine the best dosage and medication for you. You may need to test different kinds of medications before settling on the one that is most effective for you or your child.
You can take these stimulants in liquid or chewable tablet form. These drugs start working quickly and last for three to four hours. The "crash effect" is a sign that the medicine is exhausted. This is evident by rapid decrease in energy levels and extreme hunger. There are also adult adhd treatments that act long-lastingly, such as dexamfetamine or Lisdexamfetamine. These are more complicated and require prescription. They are injected into bloodstreams and then change from inactive to active in red blood cells.
Finding the appropriate dosage, medication and schedule for your child or yourself may take a lot of time. Your doctor will monitor your response to the medication, and look for any problems such as sleep issues. If you or your child isn't responding well to stimulants, your doctor will also discuss non-stimulant medication.
It is not advisable to stop or change your ADHD medication without consulting your doctor first. Inform your doctor if take any prescription drugs or supplements, since some may interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
For 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD stimulant medications are effective in decreasing hyperactivity, interrupting behavior such as fidgeting, impulsivity and fidgeting. They can also increase focus and help people complete tasks and maintain relationships. They may not reduce moodiness, or other troubling symptoms. They can also cause side effects like loss of appetite, insomnia stomachaches, jitteriness, changes in heart rhythm and high blood pressure.
These medications work in stages to treat ADHD symptoms all day long. The majority of them begin to show effects within 30 to 45 minutes. They disappear within 3 to 6 hours. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other types of ADHD treatment, like behavioral therapy.
Some of these long acting stimulants, including atomoxetine (Intuniv) and Guanfacine (Strattera) can be used all night long and last until the next morning. Some doctors suggest taking these in the afternoon, to avoid patients from having to take additional medication during school or after school.
Long-acting stimulants don't boost dopamine levels as rapidly as short- or intermediate-acting drugs, but they do boost them significantly. Therefore, they don't trigger the same kind of rebound effects that occur with shorter-acting drugs.
Long-acting stimulants due to the potential for adverse reactions, are usually prescribed as a last resort for adults with ADHD and teens who are older. They can also be used to treat some people suffering from ADHD when other medications haven't worked.
While medication can aid in improving concentration and self-control, it's never the whole answer for those who suffer from ADHD. In conjunction with a healthy sleeping routine, healthy eating, and other strategies for self-help, it's often possible to reduce or eliminate the necessity for ADHD medicine.