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 commonly 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 drugs prescribed to treat ADHD increase levels of dopamine and the naradrenaline. It is not clear how these drugs work, however they do improve memory and attention and decrease hyperactivity. The medication does not cure ADHD, however. They help people function within a society which is not always designed for those who have neurodivergent minds.
Most stimulants are controlled drugs, so doctors must monitor the person taking them for side effects such as an abrupt drop in energy, appetite suppression, shakiness, or sleep issues. It may take some time to find the right dosage and medication, and it is important for those suffering from ADHD to attend regular appointments with their healthcare provider.
The dosage of stimulant medication is different for adults and children, and the dosages vary. Doctors may recommend lifestyle interventions to supplement the medication and help people with ADHD develop strategies for managing their symptoms. A nurse or social worker for psychiatric disorders might also be part the treatment team.
It is normal for mood disorders such as dysthymia and depression to coexist with ADHD. Typically, doctors treat the mood disorder first, and then revisit the ADHD symptoms. This is because the underlying condition may affect the way the person behaves, and it is better to address the root issue than try to medicate the symptoms away.
The medication is helpful, however they aren't an all-encompassing solution. They should be used with other treatments, such as psychosocial work training in parenting skills, exercise and nutrition and diet counseling. In fact an earlier survey of parents found that only 41 percent of them were extremely satisfied with their child's ADHD medication, and only 25 percent were extremely happy.
Some stimulants can cause undesirable 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.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They are also available over-the-counter. Certain individuals with ADHD benefit from extended-release versions of these medications, which are usually taken once a day in the morning and last for six to eight hours. Many people supplement these medications by taking tablets that have immediate release in the mid or late afternoon. The extra tablet covers the time between the initial medication wearing off and prevents an abrupt decline in motivation and energy. Some people say that ADHD medication can help people fall asleep faster in the evening because it calms the racing thoughts. This could indicate that the medication works. Read the Full Posting have reported that the symptoms of ADHD improve as they get older.