How Does ADHD Medication Work?
Medications can reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of the chemicals noradrenaline and dopamine that pass messages between brain cells. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, Glycine and atomoxetine.
Finding the right dose and medication is often a trial and error process. Honest, open communication with your doctor is key.
Stimulants
The stimulant medications prescribed to treat ADHD increase levels of dopamine and the naradrenaline. Exactly how they do this is unclear but the result is that attention and memory improve and hyperactivity decreases. best medication for adhd do not treat ADHD, however. They're a tool that can aid people to function in a world that is often not set up for those with neurodivergent brains.
The majority of stimulants are controlled substances, and doctors must monitor the person who is taking them to ensure they don't cause any adverse effects such as a sudden drop in energy, appetite suppression, and sleep issues, as well as shakiness. It can take some time to determine the appropriate medication, dosage and treatment. It is essential that the person with ADHD regularly visits their physician.
The dosage of stimulant medication is different for adults and children, and dosages differ for both. Doctors may suggest lifestyle interventions as an alternative to medication, and to aid people suffering from ADHD learn how best manage their symptoms. A psychiatric nurse or social worker could be part of the treatment team, too.
It is normal for mood disorders like dysthymia and depression to be co-existent with ADHD. Typically, the clinician will treat the mood disorder first and then assess the ADHD symptoms. This is because the root condition can affect the way that a person acts and it is more beneficial to address the root of the problem rather than trying to treat the symptoms.
Although the medication are effective but they aren't a panacea and should be utilized in combination with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychosocial work, parenting skills training, physical exercise, and diet and nutrition counseling. A recent survey found that only 41 per cent of parents were very satisfied with the ADHD medication their child was taking.
Stimulants can have some unfavorable side effects, including 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 and amphetamines. They are available both on prescription and over-the-counter. These medications are available in extended-release formulations, that can be taken each day in the morning, for six to eight hours. Many people take immediate-release tablets in the late afternoon to complement these long-acting medications. The additional tablet helps to cover the time between the first medication taking effect and stops an abrupt drop in motivation and energy. Some people say that ADHD medication helps to sleep more easily at night because it quiets the racing thoughts. This could be a sign that the medication works. Many have reported that the symptoms of ADHD get better as they age.