How Does ADHD Medication Work?
Medications help to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline which pass messages between brain cells. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and the atomoxetine.
Finding the right dose and dosage will require a lot of trial and trial and. Communication that is honest and open with your doctor is crucial.
Stimulants
The stimulant drugs prescribed to treat ADHD boost the levels of the hormones dopamine as well as noradrenaline. Exactly how they do this isn't clear but the result is that memory and attention improve, and hyperactivity decreases. However, the medications do not cure ADHD. They help people function within the society that isn't always set up for people with neurodivergent minds.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and doctors must be able to observe the person using them to ensure they do not cause side effects such as a sudden drop in energy, appetite suppression and shakiness or sleep problems. It can take a while to determine the appropriate medication, dosage and treatment. It is important that the person with ADHD regularly visits their healthcare provider.
The effects of stimulant medications differ for children and adults, and the dosages vary. here may suggest lifestyle interventions to supplement the medication and help those with ADHD develop strategies for managing their symptoms. A psychiatric social worker or nurse may also be part of the treatment team.
ADHD and mood disorders such as dysthymia or depression often coexist. Typically, doctors treat the mood disorder first, and then reassess 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 away.
While the medications can be beneficial however, they aren't a panacea and should be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as psychosocial work and parenting training, physical fitness, and nutrition and diet counseling. In fact an earlier survey of parents revealed that only 41 percent were highly satisfied with their child's ADHD medications and just 25 percent were extremely satisfied.
Stimulants can have some unfavorable 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 commonly used medications to treat ADHD are methylphenidates and amphetamines. They are available as prescriptions as well as over-the-counter. Certain individuals with ADHD benefit from extended-release formulations of these medications, which are usually taken every 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 additional tablet is used to fill in the period between the first medication wearing off and prevents an abrupt drop in motivation and energy. In addition to helping with concentration and focus, a few people report that their ADHD medication allows them to sleep in the evening more easily since the meds quiet the racing thoughts that kept them awake. This could be a sign that the medication works. Many people also report that the onset symptoms of ADHD get better as they age.