How Does ADHD Medication Work?
The medications help to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of the chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline which transmit messages between brain cells. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate and atomoxetine.
Finding the right dose and dosage will require a lot of trial and error. Open, honest communication with your doctor is key.
Stimulants
The stimulant drugs prescribed for ADHD boost the levels of the hormones dopamine and noradrenaline. It isn't clear how the drugs work however, they can enhance attention and memory and reduce hyperactivity. However, these medications don't solve ADHD. They help people function within a society which is not always designed for those with neurodivergent brains.
The majority of stimulants are controlled drugs and therefore doctors must be able to monitor the user for any adverse effects like sudden drops in energy, a reduction in appetite, shakiness, or sleep problems. add adhd medications can take time to determine the appropriate medication and dose and it is crucial for those suffering from ADHD to attend regular appointments with their healthcare provider.
Stimulant medications are different for adults and children, and dosages differ for both. Doctors may suggest lifestyle interventions to complement the medication and help those with ADHD learn strategies for managing their symptoms. A social worker or psychiatric nurse might be part of the treatment team as well.
ADHD and mood disorders such as dysthymia or depression can often coexist. Typically, the clinician treats the mood disorder first, and then revisit the ADHD symptoms. The underlying cause of the disorder may affect the person's behavior, so it is best to treat the underlying issue rather than medicate away the symptoms.
The medications are helpful but they aren't a panacea. They should be used in conjunction with other treatments for example, cognitive behavior therapy, psychosocial work training in parenting skills, exercise as well as nutrition and diet counseling. In Highly recommended Reading of parents revealed that only 41 percent were extremely satisfied with their child's ADHD medications, while only 25 percent were extremely satisfied.
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 commonly used medications to treat ADHD are methylphenidates and amphetamines, available both as prescriptions and over-the-counter. Certain individuals with ADHD benefit from extended-release formulations of these drugs, which are usually taken every day in the morning, and last from six to eight hours. Many people take immediate-release tablets in the late afternoon to complement these long-acting medication. The additional tablet helps cover the time when the first medication is fading and stops a sudden drop in motivation and energy. Some claim that ADHD medication can help to sleep more easily in the evening because it calms the racing thoughts. This can be an indication that the medication is working. Additionally, a lot of people report that they find the beginning of their ADHD symptoms decreases as they grow older.