How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When one neuron sends an information to another, it uses chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals must cross the gap, which is known as a synapse.
Certain ADHD medications increase the efficiency of these messages. They may help neurons release neurotransmitters faster or slow the Reuptake (called reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors start people with ADHD with a small dose of medication and then observe their responses. They adjust the dosage gradually to discover the "sweet spot," the lowest dose that shows a noticeable improvement in symptoms and produces fewer side effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate, the first medication that doctors attempt to use to help ADHD children, is usually Methylphenidate. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine that is present in children's brains, which helps them focus and pay attention. It also reduces their hyperactivity and impulsivity. It's important to remember that the methylphenidate drug is a controlled substance and should only be used under a doctor's supervision.
The most commonly used methylphenidate medicine 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). Some versions of this medication contain the artificial sweetener aspartame, which may be harmful for those suffering from phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that causes severe intellectual disability). Tell your provider if you or your child have food allergies.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate reduces aberrant activity, especially in the nucleus of accumbens as well as a network of brain networks that are involved in regulating adaptive control. This is the reason why methylphenidate has been found to be among the most effective medications for treating ADHD.
The effects of stimulants can be averted that can include the loss of appetite as well as stomach upset, sleepiness headache, anxiety, anxiety and antics. These are rare but can be serious. If you notice them you must contact your doctor immediately. It is also important to inform your doctor if you or your child has allergies, an underlying heart condition or depression, bipolar disorder or any other mental health issues or glaucoma, a past history of seizures or strokes, or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox), Methylene Blue, or Phenelzine (Nardil). It is essential to take your methylphenidate exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines can help you focus your thoughts and block out distractions by speeding up the transmission of messages between brain cells. They are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They increase the levels 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 through injection.
Some people have a hard to deal with the negative side effects of stimulant medication, such as insomnia, restlessness, or increased heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor the symptoms and adjust the dosage to determine the right one for you. Some people may need to take multiple medications to achieve the desired outcome.
The effects of stimulants are primarily on two neurotransmitters that are located in the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that regulates emotions and controls your behavior. These drugs are used to treat a range of mental health problems such as depression, ADD/ADHD anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression.
Amphetamines as well as methylphenidates are the most common stimulant drugs. The FDA has approved a variety of brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They are available in different forms - from short-acting stimulants to longer-acting stimulants - and can be taken orally or in a injection. Amphetamines can be abused by teens who use them to stay awake and study for tests, or by truck drivers and students who need an extra boost of energy to compete in endurance sports. adhd medications uk may cause psychological and physical problems when used improperly, especially in higher doses.
Non-stimulant medications 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 work with the same chemicals as stimulants, but they are less likely to cause more tics and cause problems for those with Tourette's Syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These medicines are used to treat children and teens with ADHD. They can be taken by mouth or applied on the skin. They are available as pills that can be chewed or swallowed or chewed, capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food items, as well as liquids and patches. These medications are typically only available with a prescription. The medications 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 drugs ease symptoms for 70 percent to 80% of children and adults suffering from ADHD. They decrease the amount of fidgeting and interruptions, and make it easier to complete tasks. They also help improve academic performance and relationships. They can't correct the root issues that cause ADHD. So it's important to use them in conjunction with behavioral therapy.
It is also important to know that ADHD medicines have side effects. They can make you sleepy or cranky, and may interfere with your sleep. These effects are usually minimal and will disappear when the medication is gone from your system. Your doctor will probably suggest you take an initial dose of a small amount and then gradually increase it. They'll observe how the medication affects your child or you, and look for any problems.
Finding the right medication for you or your children could take some time. It is best to be honest with your health care providers and communicate clearly. They might suggest changes to how often you or your child takes the medication, or even if it's needed at all. They'll also want to know whether your child or you is suffering from any other medical or mental health conditions.
Intermediate stimulants
The stimulants help to manage ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of important neurotransmitters in the brain. This can increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two chemicals important for the pre-frontal cortical region of the brain. (Think of it as "your secretary" in the executive function part of your brain). Stimulant medications are effective for most ADHD children. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best dosage and medication for your child. You may have to try various types of medicines before finding the one that is right for you or your child.
It is possible to take stimulants with immediate release in liquid form as well as chewable tablets. They are quick-acting and last for up to four hours. The "crash effect" is a sign that the medicine wears out. This is characterized by rapid drop in energy levels and intense hunger. There are also stimulants that act long-lastingly like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine. These are a little more complicated and require prescription. They are injected into the bloodstream and are then converted from inactive active in red blood cells.
It takes time to find the correct dosage, medication and schedule for your child or yourself. Your doctor will monitor how you respond to the medication and will be on the lookout for any issues like sleep issues. If you or your child are not responding well to stimulants, your doctor will also discuss non-stimulant medication.
You should never stop or change your ADHD medication without talking to your doctor first. Tell your doctor if you take any prescription drugs or supplements, as some may interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
For 70-80% adults and children with ADHD stimulant medications work in decreasing hyperactivity, interrupting behaviour, fidgeting and impulsivity. They also help improve focus and help people finish their tasks and maintain relationships. However, they may not reduce moodiness or other problematic symptoms. They may also cause side effects such as loss of appetite, insomnia and nervousness. They can also cause stomachaches, heart rhythm changes and high blood pressure.
The medicines work in stages, helping to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the daytime. The majority of them begin to show effects within 30 to 45 minutes. They wear off in 3 to 6 hours. They are often used in combination with other types of ADHD treatment like behavioral therapy.
Some of these stimulants that act long-lastingly such as the atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine-ER (Intuniv), last through the night and into the morning. Some doctors recommend using them to fill up an afternoon trough, so patients do not require a second dose at school or after school.
Long-acting stimulants do not increase dopamine levels as rapidly as short- and intermediate-acting drugs, yet they increase them significantly. This means that they don't produce the same type of rebound effects as be experienced with shorter-acting substances.
Long-acting stimulants due to the possibility of adverse effects they are typically prescribed as a last resort for adults suffering from ADHD and older teens. But they can be used as a first-line treatment option for those with ADHD who haven't responded to other medications.
While medication can aid in improving self-control and concentration, it is not the only solution for people suffering from ADHD. With the help of healthy sleep habits, healthy diets and other self-help strategies it's often possible to decrease or even eliminate the need for ADHD medication.