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How Does ADHD Medication Work? When a neuron transmits a message to another, it makes use of neurotransmitters, chemicals. They must travel through a tiny gap known as a synapse. Certain ADHD medications help in the passing along of these messages more efficient. They may help neurons release neurotransmitters more frequently or slow down the reuptake (called reuptake inhibiters). Doctors start ADHD patients on a low dosage and monitor their response. They alter the dosage over time to find the “sweet place” -the lowest dosage that offers noticeable improvement in symptoms, with very few side effects. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is the primary kind of medication that doctors typically try to help kids with ADHD. It helps by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that is present in the brains of children which help them focus and pay attention. It also decreases their impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is important to keep in mind that the methylphenidate drug is a controlled substance and should only be used under a doctor's supervision. Ritalin is the most commonly used methylphenidate drug. It's available in immediate-release tablets (Ritalin, Concerta, or Quillichew ER) chewable tablets with a long-acting mechanism (Cotempla XR-ODT or Adhansia XR) or long-acting capsules (Adhansia PM or Jornay PM). Certain versions of this medication contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, which may be hazardous for those suffering from Phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that can cause severe intellectual disabilities). Inform your doctor if or your child suffer from food allergies. Researchers have found that methylphenidate reduces aberrant activity, especially in the accumbens nucleus as well as a set of brain networks that are involved in the process of adaptive control. This may explain why methylphenidate is one of the most effective drugs for treating ADHD. Stimulants can trigger side effects which include a loss of appetite, sleepiness, stomach upset headache, anxiety, disturbances and antics. These are not common, but they can be serious. If they occur you must contact your doctor right away. You should also inform your doctor if you or your child is suffering from allergies or the presence of heart disease, depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health problems, glaucoma, a history of stroke or seizures, or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), Methylene Blue, or Phenelzine (Nardil). It is essential to take your methylphenidate exactly according to the doctor's prescription. Amphetamines Amphetamines can help you concentrate on your thoughts and block out distractions by speeding up the communication between brain cells. They are among the most commonly prescribed medications for treating 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 versions. They can be consumed orally or by injection. Some people have a difficult time with the side effects of stimulant drugs like sleeplessness, insomnia, or an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. Your doctor will observe your symptoms and adjust your dosage to find the right one for you. Some patients may require multiple prescriptions to achieve the desired outcome. Stimulant drugs affect two important neurotransmitters that are located in the prefrontal cortex. This is the region of the brain that regulates emotions and governs your behavior. These drugs are prescribed to treat a variety of mental health problems, including ADD/ADHD, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. The most commonly used kinds of stimulant drugs include methylphenidates and amphetamines. The FDA has approved dozens of brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They are available in various types, from short-acting up to long-acting and are administered either by injection or orally. Amphetamines are frequently misused by teenagers who take them to stay awake and concentrate for exams, as well as by truck drivers and students that require extra energy for endurance sports. Amphetamines can trigger psychological and physical problems when used improperly, especially in higher doses. ADHD is treatable with non-stimulant drugs. These include atomoxetine clonidine 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 built on the same chemical that stimulants do, but they are less likely to trigger tics in people with Tourette syndrome. Short-acting stimulants These drugs are used to treat children and teens with ADHD. These medications can be taken orally or applied to the skin. They are available in liquids and patches as well as pills that can be chewed or swallowed. They are generally only available with a doctor's prescription. These include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin (Concerta, Focalin (Daytrana) and amphetamines (Adderall (Dexedrine, Vyvanse)). Short-acting stimulants work quickly and last from 3 to 6 hours. These medications alleviate symptoms for 70 percent to 80% of children and adults with ADHD. They help reduce fidgeting and interrupting, and make it easier to finish tasks. They can also improve relationships and academic performance. They don't fix the underlying issues that create ADHD. It is crucial to integrate the two therapies with behavior therapy. It is also important to know that ADHD medicines have side effects. You might feel sleepy or cranky, or even sleepy. These effects are usually minor, and they disappear when the medication is gone from your system. Your doctor might ask you to take an initial dose of a small amount and then gradually increase the dosage. They will watch you or your child to determine if there are any problems with the medication. It could take some time to determine the best dosage and medication for you or your child. It is best to be honest with your health care provider and communicate clearly. They may suggest changes in how often you or your child takes the medication or even if it's needed at all. They may also want to know if you or your child have any other medical or mental ailments. Intermediate stimulants The stimulants help to manage ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain. This can increase the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine, two substances that are important for the pre-frontal cortical area of the brain. (Think of it as “your secretary” in the executive part of your brain). Stimulant medications are effective for the majority of ADHD children. Your doctor will help you determine the best medication and dosage for you. You may need to test various types of medicines before settling on the one that works best for you or your child. You can consume these stimulants in liquid or chewable tablet form. These drugs start working quickly and last for three to four hours. Some people experience a problem after the medication has worn off, a phenomenon known as the “crash effect.” This usually involves a sharp reduction in energy levels and can result in intense hunger. There are also stimulants that act long-lastingly like dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. They are more complicated and require prescriptions. They are injected into the bloodstream and change from inactive to active in red blood cells. It takes time to determine the right dosage, medication and schedule for your child or yourself. Your doctor will observe your reaction to the medication and look for any issues such as trouble sleeping. If you or your child is not responding well to stimulants, your doctor will also discuss non-stimulant medication. You shouldn't discontinue or alter your ADHD medication without talking to your doctor first. Tell your doctor if you use any prescription medications or supplements, since some can interact with ADHD medications. Long-acting stimulants Stimulant medication is effective for 70-80 percent of adults and children with ADHD, helping to cut down on hyperactivity, interrupting, fidgeting, and impulsivity. They also help increase focus and help people complete tasks and maintain relationships. However, they aren't able to reduce moodiness or other problematic symptoms. And they may cause side effects like the loss of appetite, insomnia, jitteriness, stomachaches, changes in heart rhythm and high blood pressure. medication for adhd in adults work in phases to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. Most begin to take effect within 30 to 45 minutes and wear off within 3 to 6 hours. They can be utilized in conjunction with other forms of ADHD treatment such as behavioral therapy. Some of these long-acting stimulants, like atomoxetine-ER (Intuniv) and Guanfacine (Strattera) can last all night and the next day. Some doctors suggest using them to fill an afternoon trough, so patients don't need an additional dose of medication during school or in the afternoon. Long-acting stimulants don't boost dopamine levels as rapidly as short- and intermediate-acting drugs, yet they boost their levels significantly. As a result, they don't cause the same type of rebound effects that can occur with shorter-acting stimulants. Due to the potential for adverse effects Because of the potential for side effects, long-acting stimulants are generally prescribed as a second line treatment for adults and teens with ADHD. They can also be employed to treat a few people with ADHD if other medications haven't worked. While medication can improve concentration and self-control, it's never the only solution for people suffering from ADHD. With the help of healthy sleeping habits, healthy diets, and other self-help techniques it's often possible to reduce, or even eliminate, the necessity for ADHD medication.