How Does ADHD Medication Work?
The drugs reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of dopamine and Noradrenaline, which are chemicals that transmit messages between brain cells. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as the atomoxetine.
Finding the right dosage and medication will require a lot of trial and error. Your doctor's communication with you should be open and honest.
Stimulants
The stimulant drugs prescribed to treat ADHD boost levels of the hormones dopamine and noradrenaline. The exact mechanism behind this is not clear, but the result is that memory and attention improve, and hyperactivity decreases. However, our website do not solve ADHD. They are used to aid people in functioning within the society that isn't always designed for those who have neurodivergent minds.
The majority of stimulants are controlled drugs that means doctors must watch the person taking them for side effects such as a sudden drop of energy, a decrease in appetite and shakiness, as well as sleep problems. It can take a while to find the right medication and dose and it is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to keep regular appointments with their healthcare provider.
The effects of stimulant medications differ for adults and children, and the dosages vary. Doctors may suggest lifestyle modifications 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 like dysthymia or depression can often coexist. Typically, the clinician will treat the mood disorder and then assess the ADHD symptoms. This is because the underlying condition may affect the way the person behaves, and it is better to address the core problem rather than trying to treat the symptoms.
The medication is helpful, however they aren't the only solution. adhd medication should be used in conjunction with other treatments such as cognitive behavior therapy, psychosocial work training in parenting skills, exercise and nutrition and diet counseling. In fact an earlier survey of parents found that only 41 percent were extremely satisfied with their child's ADHD medication, and only 25 percent were very satisfied.
Stimulants may have adverse 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 common medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates as well as amphetamines, which are available as prescriptions as well as over-the-counter. They are available in extended-release formulas, which can be taken each day in the morning, for up to eight hours. Many people use tablets for immediate release in the late afternoon to supplement these long-acting medications. The extra tablet helps to cover the time when the first medication is fading and avoids a sudden drop in energy and motivation. In addition to helping with concentration and focus, a few people claim that their ADHD medication allows them to sleep in the evening more easily since the meds quiet the racing thoughts that kept them awake prior to. This could be an indication that the medication is working. Many have reported that the initial symptoms of ADHD get better as they age.