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How Does ADHD Medication Work?

When a neuron sends a message to another neuron, it uses chemicals called neurotransmitters. These chemicals must travel through the gap, which is known as a synapse.

Certain ADHD medications can increase the efficiency of these messages. They may help neurons release neurotransmitters more or slow the Reuptake (called reuptake inhibitors).

Doctors start ADHD patients with a lower dose and monitor their response. They adjust the dosage over time to find the "sweet place" -the lowest dosage that provides clear improvement in symptoms with few side effects.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate is the first type of medication doctors frequently try to help kids with ADHD. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in children's brains which aids them in focusing and pay attention. It also reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity of children. It is important to keep in mind that the methylphenidate drug is a controlled substance and should only be used under the supervision of a physician.

The most common methylphenidate medication is Ritalin. It's available in immediate-release tablets (Ritalin, Concerta, or Quillichew ER), long-acting chewable tablets (Cotempla XR-ODT or Adhansia XR) or long-acting capsules (Adhansia PM or Jornay PM). Certain versions of this medication contain the artificial sweetener aspartame, which may be dangerous for people with Phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that causes severe intellectual disabilities). Be sure to tell your doctor about any food allergies you or your child suffers from.

Researchers have found that methylphenidate may reduce abnormal activity, particularly in the nucleus of accumbens as well as a set of brain networks that are involved in the process of adaptive control. This may explain why methylphenidate is one of the most effective medications for treating ADHD.

The side effects of stimulants are headaches, nausea, sleepiness anxiety, agitation, the tics and agitation. These aren't common, but they can be serious. If you experience any of them, you should call your doctor immediately. 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 any other mental health issues or glaucoma, a past history of stroke or seizures or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), Methylene Blue, or Phenelzine (Nardil). It is crucial to take your methylphenidate exactly in accordance with the prescription of your doctor.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines can help you concentrate on your thoughts and avoid distractions by speeding up the communication between brain cells. They are the most frequently prescribed medications to treat ADHD in adults and children. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. Amphetamines are available in both short-acting (immediate-release) and intermediate or long-acting forms. They can be taken orally as well as via injection.

Some people have a hard to deal with the negative side effects of stimulant drugs including sleeplessness, insomnia, or a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor will observe the symptoms and adjust the dosage to determine the best one for you. Some people will require multiple medications to get the desired results.

Stimulant drugs work by affecting two essential neurotransmitters within the pre-frontal cortex. It is the brain part that helps regulate emotions and control your behavior. They are prescribed for a broad variety of mental health issues that include ADD/ADHD, as well as other ailments like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, narcolepsy, and eating disorders.

Amphetamines as well as methylphenidates are the most commonly used stimulant drugs. The FDA has approved a variety of brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They are available in different forms ranging from short-acting stimulants to long-acting stimulants. They can be consumed orally or injectable. Amphetamines are often abused by teens who use them to keep awake and concentrate for tests or by truck drivers and students that require extra energy for endurance sports. Amphetamines may cause psychological and physical problems when they are misused, especially at higher doses.

Non-stimulant medicines are also effective in treating ADHD. They include atomoxetine and 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 function on the same chemicals as stimulants, but they are less likely to make the tics worse and cause problems for people with Tourette's syndrome.

Short-acting stimulants

These medications are used to treat teens and children with ADHD. They can be consumed by mouth or applied on the skin. They come in pills that can be swallowed or chewed and capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food items, and liquid patches. They are typically only available with a doctor's prescription. These medications include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana), and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse). Short-acting stimulants have a rapid effect and last from 3 to 6 hours.

These drugs relieve symptoms in 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD. They help reduce fidgeting and interruptions, and make it easier to complete tasks. They can also improve academic performance and relationships. They can't correct the root issues that are the cause of ADHD. So it's important to use them in conjunction with behavioral therapy.

It's important to know that ADHD medications can cause adverse effects. You might feel tired or cranky. You may also feel sleepy. However, these effects are typically minor and go away as the medicine leaves your body. Your doctor might recommend taking a small dose at first and then gradually increase it. They'll monitor how the medication affects your child or you, and look for any problems.

Finding the best medication for your child or yourself could take some time. It's best to be open with your health care team and communicate clearly. They may suggest changes to the frequency you or your child take the medication, or whether it's necessary at all. They may also be looking to determine if you or your child suffer from any other medical or mental ailments.

Intermediate stimulants

Stimulants control ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of 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). Most kids with ADHD respond well to stimulant medications. Your doctor will assist you in figuring out what kind of medication and dose is appropriate for you. It is possible to try various types of medicines before finding the one that is right for you or your child.

These stimulants can be taken in liquid or chewable tablet form. They begin to work quickly and last for three or four hours. The "crash effect" occurs when the medicine is exhausted. This is characterized by rapid decrease in energy levels and extreme hunger. Long-acting stimulants (like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine) are also available. These are more complicated and require prescriptions. They are injected in the bloodstream and are activated in the red blood cells.

It takes time to determine the correct dosage, medication, and schedule for you or your child. Your doctor will track how you react 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 medications.

Do not stop or alter your ADHD medications without first consulting your doctor. Tell your doctor if you use any prescription medications or supplements, since some could interact with ADHD medications.

Long-acting stimulants

For 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD stimulant medications work in decreasing hyperactivity, interrupting treating adhd without medication behavior, fidgeting and impulsivity. They can also help people concentrate, complete tasks and maintain relationships. However, they might not reduce moodiness or other troublesome symptoms. And they may cause adverse effects such as loss of appetite, insomnia nausea, jitteriness changes in heart rhythm and high blood pressure.

These medicines work in phases, helping to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. Most of these medications begin to work in 30 to 60 minutes and wear off after 3 to 6 hours. They can be used by themselves or with other types of ADHD treatment, such as behavioral therapy.

Some of these long-acting stimulants, like atomoxetine-ER (Intuniv) and guanfacine (Strattera) are able to be used all night long and last until the next day. Some doctors suggest taking these in the afternoon to avoid patients from needing additional medication in school or in the afternoon.

Long-acting stimulants don't increase dopamine levels to the same degree as intermediate or short-acting drugs. However, they do so significantly. This means that they don't produce the same type of rebound effects that occur with shorter-acting stimulants.

Long-acting stimulants due to the potential for adverse reactions they are typically prescribed as a second treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and older teens. But they can be used as a first-line treatment option for some people with ADHD who haven't had a response to other medications.

While medication can help improve concentration and self control, it is not the only option for those with ADHD. In conjunction with a healthy sleep routine and healthy eating habits, along with other strategies for self-help, it's often possible to decrease or eliminate the necessity for ADHD medicine.