How Does ADHD Medication Work?
adhd treatment medication reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels Dopamine and Noradrenaline. Both are chemicals that transmit messages between brain cells. The most commonly prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate and Atomoxetine.
Finding the right dose and dosage can be a trial-and error process. Honest, open communication with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
The stimulant drugs prescribed for ADHD boost the levels of the hormones dopamine as well as noradrenaline. How exactly they accomplish this is unclear, but the result is that attention and memory improve, and hyperactivity decreases. However, the medications don't cure ADHD. They're a tool that can aid people to function in a world that is often not set up for those with neurodivergent brains.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and therefore doctors must be able to monitor the person taking them for any side effects such as an abrupt drop in energy, a decrease in appetite and shakiness or sleep problems. It can take time to determine the correct medication and dose and it is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to attend regular appointments with their healthcare provider.
The dosage of stimulant drugs differs for children and adults. Doctors may recommend lifestyle interventions to complement the medication and assist people with ADHD learn strategies for managing their symptoms. A social worker or psychiatric nurse might be part of the treatment team, as well.
It is common for mood disorders like dysthymia and depression to coexist with ADHD. Typically, the clinician will treat the mood disorder, and then assess the ADHD symptoms. The underlying issue could affect the person's behavior, so it is best to treat the underlying issue instead of treating the symptoms.
While the medications are effective, they are not a panacea and should be used in combination with other treatments, such as psychosocial work and parenting training, physical exercise and nutrition and diet counseling. A recent survey found that only 41 percent of parents were completely satisfied with the ADHD medication their child was taking.
The stimulants could 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 commonly used medications to treat ADHD are methylphenidates and amphetamines, which are available as prescriptions as well as over-the-counter. They are available in extended-release formulas, that can be taken every day in the morning for between six and eight hours. Many people supplement these long-acting drugs with immediate-release tablets taken between mid and late afternoon. The additional tablet is used to fill in the time between the initial medication wearing off and prevents an abrupt drop in energy and motivation. In addition to helping with concentration and focus, a few people report that their ADHD medications allow them to sleep at night more easily because the medication calms the racing thoughts that kept them awake before. This can be an indication that the medication is working. Additionally, many have reported that the onset of their ADHD symptoms diminishes as they age.