How Does ADHD Medication Work?
Medicines help to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of the chemicals noradrenaline and dopamine that pass messages between brain cells. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate Glycine and atomoxetine.
Finding the right medication and dose can take a lot of trial and trial and. Honest, open communication with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
The stimulant drugs prescribed to treat ADHD increase levels of the hormones dopamine as well as noradrenaline. It is not clear how the drugs work however, they can improve attention and memory, and reduce hyperactivity. The drugs do not cure ADHD however. They are a tool to aid people to function in a society that's typically not designed to accommodate people with neurodivergent brains.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances and doctors must monitor the person taking them to make sure they don't cause any adverse consequences such as an abrupt decrease in energy, appetite suppression, and sleep issues, as well as shakiness. It can take a while to determine the appropriate medication and dose, and it is important for those suffering from ADHD to make regular appointments with their healthcare provider.
The dosage of stimulant drugs differs for children and adults. Doctors may recommend lifestyle interventions as a complement to medication, and also to help people with ADHD understand how to manage their symptoms. Read the Full Posting or social worker may be involved in the treatment team, too.
It is normal for mood disorders such as dysthymia and depression to coexist with ADHD. Typically, clinicians treat the mood disorder first and then review the ADHD symptoms. The underlying condition may alter the person's behavior so it is better to address the underlying problem rather than medicate away the symptoms.
Although the medication can be beneficial however, they aren't a panacea and should be used in combination with other treatments like psychosocial work, parenting skills training, physical fitness, and nutrition and diet counseling. A recent study found that only 41 per cent of parents were extremely satisfied with the ADHD medication their child was taking.
Stimulants can have negative side effects such as addiction and abuse. If they are misused -- injected or smoked, taken in higher-than-prescribed amounts or by people who do not have ADHD, such as methamphetamine (meth) and cocaine, or abused in the form of "bath salts" that contain synthetic cathinones -- the results can be extremely dangerous.
The most commonly used medications to treat ADHD are the methylphenidates and amphetamines. They are available both as prescriptions and over-the-counter. Certain individuals with ADHD benefit from extended-release versions of these medications which are usually taken daily in the morning and last for six to eight hours. Many people supplement these long-acting drugs by taking tablets that have immediate release in the mid or late afternoon. The extra tablet helps to cover the time when the first medication wears off and prevents a sudden decline in motivation and energy. In addition to helping with concentration and focus, a few people say that their ADHD meds allow them to sleep at night faster because the medication calms the racing thoughts that kept them awake prior to. This could be a sign that the medication is working. Additionally, a lot of people say that the beginning of their ADHD symptoms decreases as they grow older.