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How Does ADHD Medication Work? When one neuron sends a message to another neuron, it makes use of neurotransmitters, chemicals. These chemicals must travel through a tiny gap known as a synapse. Certain ADHD medications can increase the efficiency of these messages. They can aid neurons in releasing more neurotransmitters or slow down the process of reuptake (called reuptake inhibitors). Doctors put patients suffering from ADHD with a low dose of medication and then observe their responses. They adjust the dosage over time to find an “sweet place” -the lowest dose that provides noticeable improvement in symptoms, with minimal side effects. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate the first medication that doctors try to help ADHD kids, is often Methylphenidate. It increases the amount of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brains of children, which helps them pay attention and concentrate. It also reduces their hyperactivity and impulsivity. Be aware that methylphenidate should only be taken under an appointment with a doctor since it is a controlled drug. The most well-known methylphenidate drug is Ritalin. It comes in immediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, and capsules. Certain versions of this medication contain the artificial sweetener aspartame, which is harmful for those suffering from phenylketonuria (an genetic condition that can cause severe intellectual impairment). Be sure to inform your doctor about any food allergies that you or your child suffers from. Researchers have found that methylphenidate can reduce aberrant activity, particularly in the accumbens' nucleus and also a network of brain networks that are involved in adaptive control. This may explain why methylphenidate was found to be among the most effective medications in treating ADHD. The effects of stimulants can be averted that include loss of appetite as well as stomach upset, sleepiness headache, anxiety, agitation, and tics. These are not common, but they can be serious. If you notice them, you should call your doctor immediately. It is also important to inform your doctor if your child has allergies, an underlying heart condition, bipolar disorder, depression or other mental health conditions such as glaucoma, a history of seizures or strokes or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) or the methylene blue, or phenelzine (Nardil). It is crucial to take your methylphenidate as prescribed by your doctor. Amphetamines Amphetamines can help you focus your thoughts and block out distractions by speeding up the transmission of messages between brain cells. They are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Amphetamines can be found in short-acting (immediate-release) and intermediate or long-acting versions. They can be taken either orally or via injection. Certain people are affected by the side effects of stimulant medications, such as restlessness or trouble sleeping, or increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Your doctor will observe your symptoms and adjust the dosage to determine the most effective one for you. Some people may require multiple prescriptions to achieve the desired result. Stimulant drugs affect two essential neurotransmitters within the pre-frontal cortex. It is the part of your brain that helps regulate emotions and control your behavior. These medications are used to treat a range of mental health problems such as depression, ADD/ADHD anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression. Amphetamines and methylphenidates are among the most commonly used stimulant drugs. The FDA has approved dozens of brand-name stimulants for treating ADHD. They are available in different forms – from stimulants that are short-acting to long-acting stimulants – and can be taken orally, or in a injection. Amphetamines are frequently misused by teens who use them to stay awake and concentrate for exams, as well as by truck drivers and students who need more energy for endurance sports. They can also cause physical and mental problems when misused, especially with higher doses. ADHD can be treated using non-stimulant drugs. 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 as stimulants, but are less likely to cause more tics which is a concern for those suffering from Tourette's 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 as pills that can be chewed, swallowed, or swallowed or chewed, capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food items, and liquid patches. They are usually available only on prescription by a physician. These include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin (Concerta, Focalin (Daytrana) and amphetamines (Adderall (Dexedrine, Vyvanse)). Short-acting stimulants work quickly and last between 3 to 6 hours. These medications alleviate symptoms in 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD. They can reduce the need to fidget and interruptions, and make it easier to complete your tasks. They can also improve relationships and academic performance. However, they can't address the root issues that cause ADHD. It is crucial to integrate the two therapies with behavior therapy. It's also important to recognize that ADHD medicines have side effects. They can make you drowsy or cranky, and may interfere with your sleep. These effects are usually mild, and they disappear as soon as the medication is gone from your system. Your doctor will probably ask you to take a small dose at first and then gradually increase the dosage. They will monitor you or your child to see if there are any problems with the medication. Finding the appropriate medication for your child or yourself could take some time. It is best to be honest with your health care providers and communicate clearly. They might suggest changes in the frequency of medication that you or your child is taking, or if any medication is required at any time. They'll also be looking to determine whether your child or you suffers from any other medical or mental health conditions. Intermediate stimulants Stimulants help to manage ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. This can increase the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine, two chemicals important for the pre-frontal cortical area of the brain. (Think of it as “your secretary” in the executive part of your mind). Stimulant medication is effective for the majority of ADHD children. Your doctor will collaborate with you to figure out which type of medication and dosage is appropriate for you. It is possible to try different kinds of medications before settling on the one that works best for you or your child. You can take immediate-release stimulants in liquid form or chewable tablets. These medications are quick-acting and last for up to four hours. The “crash effect” occurs when the medicine is exhausted. This is characterized by an abrupt reduction in energy levels as well as intense hunger. There are also source for this article that act long-lastingly, such as dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine. These are more complicated and require prescriptions. They are injected into the bloodstream and are then converted from inactive active in red blood cells. It can take time to find the right dosage, medication, and schedule for you or your child. Your doctor will monitor your response to the medication and look for any problems such as trouble sleeping. If you or your child is not responding well to stimulants, they will also discuss non-stimulant medication. You should never alter or stop taking your ADHD medication without speaking to your doctor first. Tell your doctor if you use any prescription medications or supplements, as some could interact with ADHD medications. Long-acting stimulants Stimulant medications work for 70-80% of adults and children with ADHD and help cut the amount of hyperactivity, interruptions fidgeting, impulsivity, and fidgeting. They also help improve focus and help people complete tasks and maintain relationships. They might not help reduce moodiness, or other nagging symptoms. And they can have side effects like loss of appetite, insomnia stomachaches, jitteriness, changes in heart rhythm and high blood pressure. These medications work in stages to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. Most of these drugs begin to work in 30 to 60 minutes, and disappear after 3 to 6 hours. They can be used by themselves or with other types of ADHD treatment, like behavioral therapy. Some of these long-acting stimulants such as the atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine-ER (Intuniv) are able to last through the night and into the next morning. Some doctors suggest taking them in the afternoon to prevent patients from requiring additional medication during school or afterschool. Long-acting stimulants do not increase dopamine levels in the same way as intermediate or short-acting drugs. However, they still increase dopamine levels significantly. Therefore, they don't trigger the same kind of rebound effects that can be experienced with shorter-acting substances. Long-acting stimulants, because of the possibility of adverse effects they are typically prescribed as a last resort for adults with ADHD and teens who are older. They are also used to treat some patients with ADHD when other medications haven't worked. While medication can aid in improving concentration and self-control but it's not the only option for those with ADHD. In conjunction with a healthy sleeping routine and healthy eating habits, along with other strategies for self-help it's usually possible to decrease or eliminate the need for ADHD medication.