How Does ADHD Medication Work?
The medications can reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of chemicals noradrenaline and dopamine that pass messages between brain cells. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as Atomoxetine.
Finding the right dose and dosage can be a trial and error process. Open, honest communication with your doctor is crucial.
Stimulants
The stimulant medications prescribed for ADHD boost the levels of the hormones dopamine and noradrenaline. How exactly they accomplish this is unclear, but the result is that memory and attention improve and hyperactivity decreases. The medication does not treat ADHD, however. They are a tool to assist people in a society that's generally not designed for people with neurodivergent brains.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and doctors must monitor the person taking them to make sure they do not cause side effects such as a sudden drop in energy, appetite suppression, and shakiness or sleep problems. It can take a while to find the right medication and dose and it is crucial for people suffering from ADHD to keep regular sessions with their healthcare professional.
The dosage of stimulant medication is different for adults and children. Doctors may suggest lifestyle modifications to complement the medication and help those with ADHD develop strategies for managing their symptoms. A psychiatric nurse or social worker could be part of the treatment team, too.
ADHD and mood disorders like dysthymia or depression can often coexist. Typically, clinicians treat the mood disorder first, and then revisit the ADHD symptoms. The underlying condition may influence the behavior of the patient and behavior, therefore it is recommended to address the underlying problem rather than treating the symptoms.
While the medications can be beneficial however, they aren't a panacea and should be used in combination with other treatments like psychosocial work and parenting skills training, physical exercise and nutrition and diet counseling. In fact, a recent survey of parents revealed that only 41 percent were extremely satisfied with their child's ADHD medications and just 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 as prescriptions as well as over-the-counter. Certain people suffering from ADHD benefit from extended-release versions of these drugs that are typically taken daily in the morning and last six to eight hours. Many people supplement these long-acting drugs with tablets that release immediately in the mid to late afternoon. The additional tablet helps to cover the time between the first medication taking effect and stops an abrupt decline in energy and motivation. Some claim that ADHD medication can help to sleep more easily at night because it quiets the racing thoughts. This can be an indication that the medication is working. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety have reported that the symptoms of ADHD get better as they age.