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. content prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as Atomoxetine.
Finding the right dosage and medication can take a lot of trial and error. Honest, open communication with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
The stimulant medications prescribed to treat ADHD increase levels of dopamine and naradrenaline. It is not clear how the drugs work however, they can enhance attention and memory and decrease hyperactivity. However, the drugs don't solve ADHD. They are used to aid people in functioning within an environment that isn't always set up for people with neurodivergent minds.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and doctors must monitor the person taking them to make sure they don't cause any adverse consequences such as a sudden drop in energy, appetite suppression and shakiness, or sleep issues. It can take some time to determine the appropriate medication, dosage and treatment. It is important that the sufferer of ADHD attends regular appointments with their doctor.
The dosage of stimulant drugs differs for adults and children. Doctors may recommend lifestyle interventions to complement the medication and help those with ADHD learn strategies for managing their symptoms. A psychiatrist social worker or nurse may also be part of the treatment team.
ADHD and mood disorders such as dysthymia or depression can often coexist. Typically, doctors treat the mood disorder first, and then review the ADHD symptoms. This is because the root condition may affect the way a person behaves and it is more beneficial to address the root of the issue rather than try to treat the symptoms.
While the drugs can be helpful but they aren't the only solution and should be utilized in combination with other treatments such as psychosocial work and parenting skills training, physical fitness, and nutrition and diet counseling. A recent study found that only 41 per cent of parents were completely satisfied with the ADHD medication their child was taking.
Some stimulants can cause undesirable negative side effects, including 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 common medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates as well as amphetamines. They are available both as prescriptions and over-the-counter. Some people with ADHD benefit from extended-release versions of these drugs that are typically taken daily in the morning and last for six to eight hours. Many people supplement these long-acting drugs with tablets that release immediately in the mid to late afternoon. The additional tablet is used to fill in the time between the initial medication taking effect and stops an abrupt decline in motivation and energy. Some people say that ADHD medication helps them fall asleep more easily at night because it quiets the racing thoughts. This could be a sign that the medication is working. Many people also report that the initial symptoms of ADHD improve as they get older.