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How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When a neuron transmits an electrical signal to another, it makes use of neurotransmitters or chemicals. These chemicals must travel through a small gap that is called a synapse.
Certain ADHD medications make the passing along of these messages more effective. They can aid neurons in releasing more neurotransmitters or slow down the reuptake process (called Reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors start ADHD patients with a low dose and monitor their response. They gradually increase the dosage to find the "sweet spot," the lowest dose that results in a significant improvement in symptoms, and has a few side effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first type of medication doctors frequently attempt to assist children with ADHD. It increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in kids' brains which help them pay attention and stay focused. It also decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity of children. It is important to keep in mind that methylphenidate is a controlled substance and should only be used under the supervision of a physician.
Ritalin is the most commonly used methylphenidate drug. It is available in tablets that release immediately (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. Be I Am Psychiatry to inform your provider about any food allergies you or your child may have.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate decreases abnormal activity in parts of the brain, such as the nucleus accumbens as well as a network of three brain networks that play a role in adaptive control. This may explain why methylphenidate was found to be one of the most effective drugs for treating ADHD.
The effects of stimulants can be averted that can include loss of appetite and sleepiness, stomach upset headache, anxiety, anxiety, and the tics. These are not common, but they can be serious. You should consult your physician immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. It is also important to inform your doctor if you or your child has allergies or a history of heart disease or depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental health conditions, glaucoma, a history of seizures or stroke or if you're taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, or phenelzine (Nardil). It is important to take your methylphenidate exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines speed up messages between brain cells and can aid in focusing your mind and avoid distractions. These are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD in both children and adults. They increase the level of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Amphetamines come in short-acting (immediate release) and intermediate- or long-acting form. They can be taken orally as well as via injection.
Some people have a tough time with the side effects of stimulant medications including restlessness, difficulty sleeping or a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and adjust your dosage to find the right one for you. Some people may require multiple prescriptions to achieve the desired result.
Stimulant drugs affect two essential neurotransmitters within the pre-frontal cortex. It is the brain region that regulates emotions and regulate your behavior. These medications are used to treat a range of mental health problems such as depression, ADD/ADHD, anxiety and bipolar disorder.
The most popular kinds of stimulant drugs include methylphenidates and amphetamines. The FDA has approved a variety of brand-name stimulants for treating ADHD. They come in different types, from short-acting up to long-acting, and are administered either orally or via injection. Amphetamines can be abused by teenagers who use them to stay awake and focus for tests, or by truck drivers and students who require extra energy for endurance sports. They can also cause physical and psychological problems if used in excess, particularly with higher doses.
ADHD is treatable with non-stimulant medications. 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 based on the same chemicals that stimulants do, but they are less likely to exacerbate the symptoms of tics in those with Tourette syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medications are prescribed to treat teens and children suffering from ADHD. These medications can be taken orally or applied to the skin. They are available in patches and liquids, as well as pills that can either be chewed or swallowed. They are typically only available through prescription. These medications include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana), and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse). Short-acting stimulants perform quickly and last for about 3 to 6 hours.
These drugs relieve symptoms for 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD. They reduce fidgeting and interrupting, making it easier for you to complete tasks. They also help improve academic performance and relationships. However, they aren't able to address the root causes of ADHD. Therefore, it's crucial to use them along with behavior therapy.
It is also important to know that ADHD medications can cause side effects. You may feel drowsy or cranky, or even sleepy. However, these effects are usually minor and go away as the medicine leaves your body. Your doctor will probably ask you to take only a small amount at first and then gradually increase the dosage. They will be watching you or your child to determine whether there are any issues with the medication.
It can take some time to determine the best medication and dose for you or your child. It's best to open with your health care team and communicate clearly. They might suggest changes to the frequency at which you or your child is taking the medication, or even when it's required at all. They'll also want to know whether you or your child suffers from any other mental or medical health issues.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants are used to treat ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of important neurotransmitters in the brain. This can increase the levels of norepinephrine as well as 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 mind). The majority of children who suffer from ADHD respond well to stimulant medications. Your doctor will collaborate with you to figure out which type of medication and dosage is appropriate for you. It is possible to test various types of medications before you find the one that works for you or your kids.
You can take immediate-release stimulants in liquid form and chewable tablets. These drugs are quick-acting and last for three to four hours. The "crash effect" can occur when the medicine is exhausted. This is characterized by rapid decrease in energy levels and intense hunger. Long-acting stimulants (like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine) are also available. They are more complicated and require prescriptions. They are injected in the bloodstream, and they become active in the red blood cells.
Finding the appropriate dosage, medication and schedule for your child or yourself can take time. Your doctor will keep track of how you respond to the medication and watch for problems such as sleep disturbances. They will also inform you about non-stimulant medications in the event that you or your child aren't responding well to the stimulants.
It is not advisable to stop or change your ADHD medication without speaking to your doctor first. It's also important to tell your doctor about any over-the-counter supplements or medications you're taking, as some of them can interact with other ADHD medication.
Long-acting stimulants
Stimulant medication is effective for 70-80 percent of children and adults with ADHD and help cut down on hyperactivity, interrupting, fidgeting, and impulsivity. They also help increase focus and help people finish their tasks and maintain relationships. However, they aren't able to alleviate moodiness or other irritable symptoms. They can also trigger negative side effects, such as the loss of appetite, insomnia and jitteriness. They may also cause stomachaches, changes in heart rhythm, and high blood pressure.
These medications work in stages to treat ADHD symptoms all day long. Most of these drugs begin to work in 30 to 60 minutes and wear off after 3 to 6 hours. They can be utilized in combination with other types of ADHD treatment, such as behavioral therapy.
Some of these stimulants that act long-lastingly like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine-ER (Intuniv) are able to last through the night and into the next morning. Some doctors recommend using them to fill up an afternoon trough, so patients don't need an additional dose of medication at school or after school.
Long-acting stimulants don't increase dopamine levels as much as short- and intermediate-acting drugs, but they do raise their levels significantly. They don't have the same effects on rebound as stimulants that have shorter-acting effects.
Due to the potential for adverse effects, long-acting stimulants are typically prescribed as a second line treatment for adults and older teens suffering from ADHD. However, they can also be used as a first-line treatment to certain people with ADHD who haven't had a response to other medications.
While medication can aid in improving concentration and self-control however, it's not the only option for those with ADHD. In conjunction with a healthy sleeping routine and healthy eating habits, as well as other self-help strategies it's usually possible to eliminate or reduce the need for ADHD medication.