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How Does ADHD Medication Work? When one neuron sends an electrical signal to another, it uses chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These chemicals must cross a small gap that is called a synapse. Some ADHD medications boost the effectiveness of these messages. They either assist neurons in the release of more neurotransmitters or slow the process of reuptake (called Reuptake inhibitors). Doctors begin ADHD patients with a low dose and monitor their response. They gradually increase the dosage to find the “sweet spot,” the lowest dose that produces a clear improvement in symptoms and has few adverse side effects. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is the first kind of medication that doctors typically attempt to offer to children suffering from ADHD. It increases the amount of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brains of children, which helps them pay attention and focus. It also reduces their impulsivity and hyperactivity. It is important to remember that methylphenidate must only be taken with the supervision of a physician since it is a controlled drug. Ritalin is the most commonly used methylphenidate drug. It's available as tablets with immediate release (Ritalin, Concerta, or Quillichew ER) chewable tablets that are long-acting (Cotempla XR-ODT or Adhansia XR) or long-acting capsules (Adhansia PM or Jornay PM). Some versions of this medication contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, which can be harmful for those suffering from phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that causes severe intellectual disabilities). Tell your provider if you or your child have food allergies. Researchers have discovered that methylphenidate reduces aberrant activity in various parts of the brain, such as the nucleus accumbens as well as a brain network comprised of three networks that play an important role in adaptive control. This may explain why methylphenidate was found to be one of the most effective medications for treating ADHD. Side effects of stimulants include headaches, nausea, sleepiness, anxiety, agitation or an agitation and tics. These are rare, but they can be serious. If you experience any of them, you should call your doctor right away. It is also important to inform your doctor if your child is suffering from allergies or a history of heart disease or bipolar disorder, depression or other mental health conditions, glaucoma, a history of stroke or seizures or if you're taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox), methylene blue, or phenelzine (Nardil). It is crucial to take your methylphenidate exactly according to the doctor's prescription. Amphetamines Amphetamines can help you focus on your thoughts and avoid distractions by speeding up the communication between brain cells. They are the most commonly used treatments for ADHD in both adults and children. They increase the amount of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. Amphetamines can be found in short-acting (immediate release) and intermediate- or long-acting versions. They can be ingested as well as via injection. Some people have a hard to deal with the negative side effects of stimulant medications, such as insomnia, restlessness, or an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor the symptoms and alter the dosage to find the best one for you. Some people may need to take a combination of medicines to achieve the desired effects. Stimulant drugs affect two essential neurotransmitters within the pre-frontal cortex. It is the brain region that helps regulate emotions and control your behavior. These medications are prescribed for a wide variety of mental health issues such as ADD/ADHD and disorders like bipolar disorder, narcolepsy and eating disorders. Amphetamines as well as methylphenidates are the most popular stimulant drugs. The FDA has approved dozens brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They come in different forms, ranging from short-acting to long-acting and are administered either by injection or orally. Truck drivers, students and teenagers who require more energy to compete in endurance sports can take amphetamines. Amphetamines can cause mental and physical issues when they are misused, especially at higher doses. Non-stimulant drugs can also be effective for treating ADHD. 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 function using the same chemical as stimulants but are less likely to make tics worse and cause problems for those suffering from Tourette's syndrome. Short-acting stimulants These medicines are used to treat teens and children with ADHD. adhd treatment without medication can be taken orally or applied to the skin. They come in pills that can be chewed, swallowed, or swallowed, capsules that can be opened and sprinkled onto food items, as well as liquids and patches. They are generally only available on prescription by a physician. The medications include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana), and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse). Short-acting stimulants have a rapid effect and last for 3 to 6 hours. These medications alleviate symptoms for 70 percent to 80% adults and kids with ADHD. They reduce the tendency to fidget and interrupting, and make it easier to finish tasks. They also help improve academic performance and relationships. But they don't solve the underlying problems that cause ADHD. It's therefore important to utilize them in conjunction with behavior therapy. It is important to be aware that ADHD medications can have adverse effects. You might feel tired or cranky, or even sleepy. But these effects are usually small and disappear as the medicine is eliminated from your body. Your doctor might advise you to start with a smaller dose and increase it gradually. They will watch you or your child to see whether there are any issues with the medication. Finding the right medication for your child or yourself could take some time. It is important to communicate openly with your health professional. They may suggest an increase in the frequency of medication that you or your child takes or if a medication is needed at any time. They'll also want to know whether your child or you is suffering from any other medical or mental health issues. Intermediate stimulants Stimulants work to control ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain. This boosts the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine, two chemicals important for the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain. (Think of it as “your secretary” in the executive part of your brain). Most kids with ADHD respond well to stimulant medication. Your doctor will assist you in figuring out which kind of medication and dose is appropriate for you. You may have to try different kinds of medications before settling on the one that works best for you or your child. It is possible to take stimulants with immediate release in liquid form or chewable tablets. These drugs are quick-acting and last for up to four hours. There are some people who experience problems when the medication wears off, a process known as the “crash effect.” It usually results in a sharp reduction in energy levels and can cause extreme hunger. There are also stimulants that act long-lastingly like dexamfetamine or Lisdexamfetamine. These are more complicated and require prescriptions. They are injected in the bloodstream, and they are activated in the red blood cell. Finding the appropriate dosage, medication and schedule for your child or for yourself can take a lot of time. Your doctor will track how you respond to the medication and will be on the lookout for any issues such as sleep disturbances. They will also talk to you about non-stimulant medication in the event that you or your child are not responding well to stimulants. Do not stop or alter your ADHD medication without consulting with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you use any prescription medications or supplements, as some could interact with ADHD medications. Long-acting stimulants Stimulant medicines are effective for 70 to 80 percent of adults and children with ADHD and help cut down on hyperactivity, interruptions or fidgeting and impulsivity. They also aid people to concentrate, complete tasks, and maintain relationships. They may not reduce moodiness or other troublesome symptoms. They may also cause side effects such as loss of appetite, insomnia and jitteriness. They can also cause stomachaches, changes in heart rhythm and high blood pressure. These medications work in phases to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. Most begin to take effect within 30 to 45 minutes, and fade within 3 to 6 hours. They can be used alone or with other types of ADHD treatment, such as behavioral therapy. Some of these long-acting stimulants, including atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine-ER (Intuniv) will last throughout the night and into the morning. Some doctors recommend taking them to fill an afternoon trough so that patients don't need an additional dose of medication at school or after school. Long-acting stimulants aren't able to increase dopamine levels to the same extent as short- or intermediate-acting drugs. However, they still do so significantly. This means that they don't produce the same kind of rebound effects as occur with shorter-acting drugs. Due to the possibility of side effects, long-acting stimulants are typically prescribed as a last-line treatment for adults and teens suffering from ADHD. However, they can also be utilized as a first-line treatment to those with ADHD who haven't been able to respond to other medications. While medication can aid in improving concentration and self-control, it's not the whole answer for those with ADHD. With the help of a good night's sleeping habits, healthy diets and other self-help strategies, it is often possible to decrease, or even eliminate, the necessity for ADHD medication.