How Does ADHD Medication Work?
Medicines can reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of the chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline that transmit messages between brain cells. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as Atomoxetine.
Finding the right dosage and medication will require a lot of trial and trial and. Open, honest communication with your doctor is crucial.
Stimulants
The stimulant drugs prescribed for ADHD increase levels of the hormones dopamine as well as noradrenaline. Exactly how adhd otc medication do this is unclear but the result is that memory and attention improve and hyperactivity reduces. The medications do not treat ADHD however. They're a tool that can assist people in a world that is often not set up for those with neurodivergent brains.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and doctors must observe the person taking them to make sure they do not cause side effects like an abrupt decrease in energy, appetite suppression and shakiness or sleep problems. It can take time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication, and it is important for the person with ADHD to keep regular appointments with their healthcare provider.
The dosage of stimulant medication is different for adults and children and the dosages vary. Doctors may suggest lifestyle interventions to supplement the medication and help people with ADHD develop strategies for managing their symptoms. A psychiatric social worker or nurse may also be part of the treatment team.
It is not uncommon for mood disorders like dysthymia and depression to be in sync with ADHD. Typically, doctors treat the mood disorder first and then review the ADHD symptoms. The underlying issue could affect the person's behavior, so it is best to address the root of the issue rather than medicate away the symptoms.
The drugs are beneficial, but they are not the only solution. They should be combined alongside other treatments, like psychosocial work and parenting skills training exercise as well as diet and nutrition counseling. In fact an enumeration of parents found that just 41 percent were highly satisfied with their child's ADHD medication, and only 25 percent were very satisfied.
Stimulants can have negative consequences, 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, which are available both on prescription and over-the-counter. Some people with ADHD benefit from extended-release formulations of these drugs, which are usually taken once a day in the morning and last for six to eight hours. Many people supplement these long-acting drugs by taking tablets that have immediate release in the mid or late afternoon. The additional tablet is used to fill in the time between the initial medication wearing off and prevents an abrupt decline in energy and motivation. In addition to helping with concentration and focus, some say that their ADHD medications allow them to sleep in the evening more easily since they can stop the racing thoughts that kept them awake prior to. This could be a sign that the medication is working. In addition, many people report that they find the appearance of their ADHD symptoms diminishes as they grow older.