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How Does ADHD Medication Work?
The medications reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of Dopamine and Noradrenaline. Both are chemicals that transmit messages between brain cells. The most frequently prescribed stimulants include methylphenidate and Atomoxetine.
Finding the right dosage and medication can take a lot of trial and error. Communication that is honest and open with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
The stimulant drugs prescribed for ADHD boost the levels of the hormones dopamine as well as noradrenaline. It isn't clear how the drugs work but they improve memory and attention and decrease hyperactivity. However, these medications don't solve ADHD. They are a tool to assist people in a world that is generally not designed to accommodate people with neurodivergent brains.
Most stimulants are controlled substances, and doctors must observe the person who is taking them to ensure they do not cause side effects such as a sudden decrease in energy, a decrease in appetite, and shakiness, or sleep issues. It can take time to find the right medication and dose and it is essential for people suffering from ADHD to make regular appointments with their doctor.
The dosage of stimulant medications is different for children and adults. Doctors may suggest lifestyle interventions to complement the medication and help people with ADHD develop strategies for managing their symptoms. A psychiatrist social worker or nurse might also be part the treatment team.
ADHD and mood disorders like dysthymia or depression often coexist. Typically, the clinician will treat the mood disorder and then assess the ADHD symptoms. The underlying cause of the disorder may alter the person's behavior so it is better to address the underlying problem rather than treating the symptoms.
While the drugs can be beneficial, they are not an all-encompassing solution and should be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychosocial work and parenting skills training, physical fitness, and diet and nutrition counseling. adhd no medication revealed that only 41 per cent of parents were completely happy with the ADHD medication their child was taking.
Stimulants can have some unfavorable adverse 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. These medications are available in extended-release formulas, which can be taken each day in the morning, for six to eight hours. Many people use tablets for immediate release in the afternoon to supplement these long-acting medication. The additional tablet helps to cover the time between the initial medication taking effect and stops an abrupt decrease in energy and motivation. In addition to helping with concentration and focus, some people report that their ADHD meds allow them to sleep at night more easily because the meds quiet the racing thoughts that kept them awake before. This can be an indication that the medication is effective. Many people also report that the initial symptoms of ADHD get better as they age.