(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/human-givens-institute-logo.png)How Does ADHD Medication Work?
When one neuron sends signals to another, it uses neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that act as. They must cross a tiny gap called the synapse.
Some ADHD medications boost the effectiveness of these messages. They either aid neurons in releasing more neurotransmitters or slow down the reuptake process (called reuptake inhibitors).
Doctors start Inattentive Adhd medication Adults patients on a low dosage and monitor their response. They gradually increase the dosage to discover the “sweet spot,” the lowest dose that results in a significant improvement in symptoms and has few adverse effects.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most common type of medication doctors often attempt to assist children with ADHD. It increases the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in children's brains, which helps them pay attention and stay focused. It also reduces their hyperactivity and impulsivity. It's important to remember that methylphenidate is a controlled drug and should only be taken under a doctor's supervision.
Ritalin is the most well-known methylphenidate drug. It comes in immediate-release tablets as well as chewable tablets and capsules. Certain versions of this medication contain the artificial sweetener aspartame, which can be dangerous for people with phenylketonuria (an inheritable condition that causes severe intellectual disabilities). Make sure you inform your provider about any food allergies you or your child may have.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate reduces aberrant activity in parts of the brain, which includes the nucleus of accumbens, as well as the brain's three networks that play a part in the process of adaptive control. This may explain why methylphenidate has been found to be one of the most effective medications for treating ADHD.
Stimulants can cause side effects that can include an increase in appetite and sleepiness, stomach upset headache, anxiety, agitation and the tics. These aren't common, but they can be serious. If you notice them you must contact your doctor right away. You should also tell your doctor if your child is suffering from allergies, the presence of heart disease or bipolar disorder, depression or any other mental health issues or glaucoma, a past history of seizures or strokes, or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like isocarboxazid (Marplan) and linezolid (Zyvox) and the methylene blue, or phenelzine (Nardil). It is important to take your methylphenidate as prescribed by your doctor.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines can help you concentrate on your thoughts and avoid distractions by speeding up the communication between brain cells. They are among the most popular medications used to treat ADHD in adults and children. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Amphetamines are available in both short-acting (immediate-release) and intermediate or long-acting varieties. They can be consumed orally or by injection.
Some people are afflicted by the negative side effects of stimulant medication, like restlessness, difficulty sleeping, or an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Your doctor will observe the symptoms and alter the dosage to find the right one for you. Some people may need to take multiple medications to achieve the desired outcome.
The effects of stimulants are primarily on two neurotransmitters located in the prefrontal cortex. This is the region of the brain which regulates emotions and manages your behavior. They are prescribed for a wide range of mental health disorders that include ADD/ADHD, as well as other disorders like bipolar disorder, narcolepsy and eating disorders.
Amphetamines and methylphenidates are the most common stimulant drugs. The FDA has approved dozens of brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They are available in different forms ranging from short-acting stimulants to long-acting stimulants - and can be consumed orally or injectable. Amphetamines are often abused by teenagers who use them to keep awake and study for tests or by truck drivers and students who need extra energy for endurance sports. Amphetamines may cause psychological and physical problems when misused, particularly at higher doses.
inattentive adhd medication adults can be treated using non-stimulant medications. These include atomoxetine and Guanfacine. They are in the same class as antidepressants and belong to the norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists classes. They are based on the same chemicals that stimulants do, however they are less likely to cause the symptoms of tics in those with Tourette syndrome.
Short-acting stimulants
These drugs are used to treat adolescents and children with ADHD. They can be taken by mouth or applied on the skin. They are available as pills that can be chewed or swallowed, capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food items, and liquid patches. They are typically only available with a doctor's prescription. These include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana), and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse). Short-acting stimulants perform quickly and last for about 3 to 6 hours.
These medications alleviate symptoms in 70-80 percent of children and adults with ADHD. They can reduce the need to fidget and interrupting, making it easier to complete tasks. They also help improve relationships and academic performance. They don't fix the underlying issues that are the cause of ADHD. It's crucial to combine them with behavior therapy.
It's also important to recognize that ADHD medications can have adverse effects. You might feel sleepy, cranky, or sleepless. But these effects are usually minor and go away as the medicine is eliminated from your body. Your doctor may ask you to start with a small dosage and gradually increase it. They will monitor you or your child closely to determine if there are any problems with the medication for odd and adhd.
Finding the best medication for your child or yourself may take some time. It is best to communicate openly with your health professional. They might suggest a change in the amount of medication that you or your child is taking or if a medication given for adhd is needed at all. They'll also want to know if you or your child has any other medical or mental health issues.
Intermediate stimulants
Stimulants control ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. This increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These two chemicals are essential for the functioning of the pre-frontal cortex region of the brain (think of it as your “secretary” in the executive functioning area of your brain). The majority of kids who suffer from adhd uk medication respond well to stimulant medications. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best dosage and medication for you. You may need to test various types of medicines before you find the one that is most effective for you or your child.
You can take these stimulants in chewable tablets or liquid form. They perform quickly and last for three to four hours. Some people experience a problem when the medicine wears off, a phenomenon known as the “crash effect.” It usually results in an immediate drop in energy, and may result in intense hunger. There are also long-acting stimulants like dexamfetamine or Lisdexamfetamine. They are more complicated and require prescriptions. They are injected into the bloodstream, and are activated in the red blood cells.
Finding the right medication, dosage and schedule for your child or yourself may take time. Your doctor will be monitoring your response to the medication, and will look for any signs of trouble like trouble sleeping. They will also inform you about non-stimulant medication for children or parents who are not responding well to the stimulants.
You shouldn't alter or stop taking your ADHD medication without consulting your doctor first. Tell your doctor if you use any prescription medications or supplements, as they can interact with ADHD medications.
Long-acting stimulants
For 70-80% adults and children with ADHD stimulant medications work in decreasing hyperactivity, interrupting behaviour as well as impulsivity, fidgeting and fidgeting. They can also help people concentrate, complete tasks, and maintain relationships. However, they may not reduce moodiness or other problematic symptoms. They may also cause negative side effects, such as the loss of appetite, insomnia and anxiety. They can also trigger stomachaches, changes in heart rhythm, and high blood pressure.
These medications work in stages to treat ADHD symptoms all day long. The majority begin to work within 30 to 45 minutes, and fade within 3 to 6 hours. They can be used on their own or with other types of ADHD treatment, like behavioral therapy.
Some of these stimulants that act long-lastingly, including atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine-ER (Intuniv) will last throughout the night and into the morning. Some doctors recommend taking them in the afternoon, to avoid patients from having to take additional medication during school or in the afternoon.
Long-acting stimulants don't increase dopamine levels to the same extent as intermediate or short-acting drugs. However, they still increase dopamine levels significantly. As a result, they don't cause the same kind of rebound effects that can be experienced with shorter-acting substances.
Long-acting stimulants due to the possibility of adverse effects they are typically prescribed as a last resort for adults with ADHD and older teens. They are also used to treat some people with ADHD if other medications haven't been effective.
While medication can aid in improving concentration and self-control, it's not the sole solution for those who suffer from ADHD. With the help of healthy sleeping habits, healthy diets and other self-help methods, it is often possible to decrease, or even eliminate, the need for ADHD medication.(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/general-medical-council-logo.png)
