How Does ADHD Medication Work?
The medications reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of Dopamine and Noradrenaline. Both are chemicals that transmit messages between brain cells. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and atomoxetine.
Finding the right dose and dosage is often a trial and error process. Communication with your doctor must be open and honest.
Stimulants
The stimulant drugs prescribed to treat ADHD increase levels of dopamine and the naradrenaline. The exact mechanism behind this is unclear, but the result is that memory and attention improve, and hyperactivity decreases. However, these medications are not able to cure ADHD. They aid people in functioning within a society which is not always set up for people with neurodivergent minds.
adhd anxiety medication are controlled substances and doctors must be able to observe the person who is taking them to ensure they don't cause any adverse consequences such as an abrupt decrease in energy, a decrease in appetite, and shakiness or sleep problems. It may take some time to determine the correct medication and dose, and it is important for the person with ADHD to attend regular appointments with their healthcare provider.
The dosage of stimulant medications is different for children and adults. Doctors may recommend lifestyle modifications as a complement to medications, and to aid people suffering from ADHD learn how best manage their symptoms. A psychiatric social worker or nurse may also be part of the treatment team.
It is not uncommon for mood disorders such as dysthymia and depression to be co-existent with ADHD. Typically, clinicians treat the mood disorder first, and then revisit the ADHD symptoms. The underlying condition may affect the person's behavior, so it is best to address the root of the issue rather than treating the symptoms.
Although the medication can be beneficial, they are not the only solution and should be used in conjunction with other treatments like psychosocial work and parenting skills training, physical exercise, and nutrition and diet counseling. A recent survey found that only 41 percent of parents were completely happy with the ADHD medication their child was taking.
Stimulants can have negative 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 popular medications used to treat ADHD are methylphenidates as well as amphetamines. They are available both on prescription and over-the-counter. These drugs are available in extended-release formulations, that can be taken each day in the morning, for six to eight hours. Many people supplement these long-acting drugs with immediate-release tablets taken between mid and late afternoon. The additional tablet helps keep track of the time that the first medication is fading and avoids a sudden drop in energy and motivation. Some individuals claim that ADHD medication can help them fall asleep more easily at night because it quiets the racing thoughts. This can be an indication that the medication is effective. Many people also report that the onset symptoms of ADHD improve as they get older.