How Does ADHD Medication Work?
The drugs reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of Dopamine and Noradrenaline. These are chemicals that transmit messages between brain cells. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, atomoxetine and glycine.
Finding the right dosage and dosage can be a trial-and error process. Honest, open communication with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
The stimulant drugs prescribed to treat ADHD boost the levels of the hormones dopamine as well as noradrenaline. The exact mechanism behind this isn't clear, but the result is that memory and attention improve and hyperactivity reduces. The drugs do not treat ADHD, however. They assist people to function in the society that isn't always 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 do not cause side effects such as a sudden drop in energy, a decrease in appetite, and sleep issues, as well as shakiness. It may take some time to find the right dosage, medication and treatment. It is essential that the sufferer of ADHD attends regular appointments with their healthcare provider.
The dosage of stimulant medication is different for adults and children. my response may recommend lifestyle interventions as an alternative to medication, and also to help people with ADHD discover the best way to manage their symptoms. A social worker or psychiatric nurse could be part of the treatment team, as well.
ADHD and mood disorders such as dysthymia and depression are often co-existing. Typically, clinicians treat the mood disorder first, and then reassess the ADHD symptoms. This is because the underlying disorder can impact the way a person behaves and it is more beneficial to address the root issue rather than try to treat the symptoms.
Although the medication are effective but they aren't an all-encompassing solution and should be used in conjunction with other treatments such as psychosocial work and parenting skills training, physical exercise, and nutrition and diet counseling. A recent survey found that only 41 per cent of parents were extremely happy with the ADHD medication their child was taking.
Stimulants can have some unfavorable adverse 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.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are among the most common medications prescribed to treat ADHD. They are also available over-the-counter. Some people with ADHD benefit from extended-release versions of these medications which are usually taken every day in the morning, and last from six to eight hours. Many people supplement these long-acting medications with tablets that release immediately between mid and late afternoon. The additional tablet is used to fill in the time between the initial medication wearing off and prevents an abrupt decline in motivation and energy. Alongside helping with concentration and focus, some report that their ADHD meds allow them to fall asleep in the evening more easily since the medication calms the racing thoughts that kept them awake before. This could be a sign that the medication is working. Many have reported that the initial symptoms of ADHD improve as they age.