How Does Medication For ADHD Work?
Stimulants improve your ability to concentrate and control impulses by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. They are available in both immediate-release (short acting) and extended release tablets, which can be taken daily in the morning.
Nonstimulant medications can improve attention and impulse management however, they are more difficult to use. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Viloxazine) are part of the antidepressant class and boost levels of norepinephrine.
Stimulants
The most frequently prescribed ADHD medication includes stimulants like dexamphetamine, methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters assist the prefrontal cortex, which controls the planning, organizing and execution of tasks. Stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. The symptoms include fidgeting and yelling over others. They also have forgetfulness, difficulty finishing or completing tasks, and problems with complete tasks. The medication can also help reduce social issues like not being able to listen to others and having difficulty keeping promises.
The medication starts working once it has crossed the blood-brain boundaries, which takes between 45 and 60 minutes. This is why people notice changes almost immediately. For children, a physician may use the "start low and then increase" approach, increasing the dose gradually over three or four weeks. Teachers and parents can give feedback on the effectiveness of the medication during this period. Doctors can track the effects of medication using scales such as the Connor Global Index score, which compares a child to other kids similar in gender and age without ADHD.
The GP will discuss with the patient and their family members about the risks and benefits, as well as the adverse effects that are associated with various medications. It is essential to tell the truth, particularly if you don't see any improvement with your medication. The GP will then suggest another treatment option.
medication for adult adhd -stimulant drugs
A variety of other drugs are also used to treat ADHD. Certain are antidepressants, like bupropion (Wellbutrin) that works by increasing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, and other older medications such as tricyclics. They are less likely to cause side effects than stimulants, but they can take a long time to work.
Psychiatric disorders
Mental disorders, like depression and anxiety, may be co-occurring with ADHD and make it difficult for patients to get the best results from their medications. In many instances, the doctor will decide to treat the mood disorder first and then review the patient.
Abuse
These medications can be misused especially among adolescents and teenagers, who are often prescribed them due to their energy-boosting or weight-loss properties. They also are prone to abuse in people with an history of alcohol or drug misuse or with a family or personal history of mental health issues like bipolar disorder.
It is frustrating not to see immediate effects from ADHD medication. It is important to remember, however, that many patients will have to try several different kinds of medication before they find one that alleviates their symptoms. It's also important to stick with the medication as long as is possible and to keep regular visits with the GP to keep track of the progress of the medication and look for any adverse effects. These visits will help the GP determine whether the dosage currently used is optimal or needs to be increased, or if the medication should be switched to a different type or combination of medications. GPs can also help to identify lifestyle and behavioral changes that can enhance the effect of medication.