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How Does ADHD Medication Work? When a neuron transmits a message to another neuron, it makes use of neurotransmitters or chemicals. They need to travel through a tiny gap known as the synapse. Some ADHD medications can increase the efficiency of these messages. They can aid neurons in releasing more neurotransmitters or slow down the reuptake process (called Reuptake inhibitors). Doctors start ADHD patients with a lower dose and monitor their reaction. They alter the dosage as they go along to find the “sweet spot” -the lowest dosage that provides noticeable improvement in symptoms, with few adverse effects. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is the first 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 children's brains which help them focus and pay attention. It also reduces their hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is important to remember that methylphenidate is a controlled substance and should only be used under the supervision of a physician. The most commonly used methylphenidate medicine is Ritalin. It is available in immediate-release tablets as well as chewable tablets and capsules. Some versions of this medication contain the artificial sweetener aspartame, which is hazardous for those suffering from phenylketonuria (an inherited condition that causes severe intellectual disability). Inform your doctor if or your child suffer from food allergies. Researchers have found that methylphenidate may reduce abnormal activity, particularly in the accumbens' nucleus and also a network of brain networks that are involved in adaptive control. This could explain why methylphenidate has been found to be among the most effective drugs for treating ADHD. Stimulants can cause side effects that include an increase in appetite, sleepiness, stomach upset headache, anxiety, agitation and tics. These are rare but can be serious. If you notice them, you should call your doctor right away. Inform your doctor about any allergies, heart diseases bipolar disorders, depression and other mental health issues, glaucoma or seizures. Also, inform them that you or your child have a history of. It is important to take methylphenidate as prescribed by your physician. Amphetamines Amphetamines can help you focus your thoughts and block out distractions by speeding up the communication between brain cells. They are the most common medications used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They increase the levels neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. Amphetamines come in short-acting (immediate release) and intermediate- or long-acting forms. They are available orally or by injection. Some people are afflicted by the negative side effects of stimulant medication, like restlessness or difficulty sleeping, or an increased heart rate or high blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and adjust the dose to find the best one for you. I Am Psychiatry will need to take multiple medications 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 controls your behavior. These medications are prescribed for a wide variety of mental health issues such as ADD/ADHD and ailments like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, narcolepsy and eating disorders. Amphetamines and methylphenidates are the most popular stimulant drugs. The FDA has approved dozens brand-name stimulants to treat ADHD. They are available in a variety of forms, from short-acting to long-acting. They are injected either by injection or orally. Truck drivers, students and teenagers who need more energy to do endurance sports can take amphetamines. Amphetamines may cause psychological and physical problems when used improperly, especially in higher doses. ADHD can be treated 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 function with the same chemicals as stimulants, but they are less likely to cause more tics which is a concern for people with Tourette's syndrome. Short-acting stimulants These medications are used to treat teenagers and children with ADHD. They can be taken through the mouth or applied to the skin. They are available as pills that can be chewed or swallowed or chewed, capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food items, as well as liquids and 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 are fast acting and last from 3 to 6 hours. These medications ease the symptoms of 70% to 80% of children and adults suffering from ADHD. They can reduce fidgeting and interruptions, as well as making it easier to complete tasks. They can also improve academic performance and relationships. They can't correct the root issues that are the cause of ADHD. It's therefore important to utilize them in conjunction with behavior therapy. It is also important to know that ADHD medications can cause side effects. You might feel tired or cranky, or even sleepy. However, these effects are typically small and disappear as the medicine is eliminated from your body. Your doctor may ask you to start with a small dosage and gradually increase it. They'll watch to see how the medication affects your child or you and look for any problems. Finding the right medication for you or your children could take some time. It is best to be honest with your health care team and communicate clearly. They may suggest an increase in the frequency of medications that you or your child takes or if any medication is required at all. They will also want to know whether you or your child suffer from any other mental or medical issues. Intermediate stimulants Stimulants help to manage ADHD symptoms by altering the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain. This can increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemicals that 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). Stimulant medications are efficient for the majority of ADHD children. Your doctor will work with you to figure out which kind of medication and dosage is right for you. It is possible to try different kinds of medications before you find the one that is right for you or your child. You can take immediate-release stimulants in liquid form as well as chewable tablets. These medications perform quickly and last for three to four hours. The “crash effect” occurs when the medication wears off. This is evident by a sudden decrease in energy levels and extreme hunger. There are also stimulants that act long-lastingly like dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. These are more complicated and require a prescription. They are injected into bloodstreams and change from inactive to active in red blood cells. Finding the right medication, dosage and schedule for your child or yourself may take some time. Your doctor will be monitoring your reaction to the medication, and look for any problems like trouble sleeping. They will also talk to you about medications that are not stimulant in the event that you or your child aren't responding well to the stimulants. Never stop or alter your ADHD medication without first consulting with your doctor. Inform your doctor if use any prescription medications or supplements, as some can interact with ADHD medications. Long-acting stimulants Stimulant medications work for 70-80 percent of children and adults with ADHD aiding in cutting down on hyperactivity, interruptions, fidgeting, and impulsivity. They also aid people to concentrate, complete tasks, and maintain relationships. However, they may not reduce moodiness or other troublesome symptoms. And they can have side effects like sleepiness, loss of appetite stomachaches, jitteriness, changes in heart rhythm and high blood pressure. These medications work in phases to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. Most of these medications start to work within 30 to 60 minutes and disappear after 3 to 6 hours. They are often utilized in combination with other types of ADHD treatment, such as behavioral therapy. Some of these long-acting stimulants such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine-ER (Intuniv) will last throughout the night and into the next morning. Some doctors recommend using them to fill up an afternoon trough, so patients don't need an additional dose of medication at school or afterschool. Long-acting stimulants do not increase dopamine levels to the same extent as intermediate or short-acting drugs. However, they still do so significantly. They don't have the same rebound effects as stimulants that have shorter-acting effects. Because of the potential for side effects, long-acting stimulants are typically prescribed as a second-line treatment for adults and teens with ADHD. They are also used to treat certain people suffering from ADHD if other medications haven't worked. While medication can aid in improving concentration and self-control but it's not the only solution for those with ADHD. With the help of a good night's sleep habits, healthy diets, and other self-help techniques it's possible to decrease or even eliminate the requirement for ADHD medication.