How Does Medication For ADHD Work?
ADHD medication can help children and adults improve their focus, control impulses, and organize themselves. Your doctor will determine the best medication for your child in consultation with you.
Stimulants are the first-line treatment for ADHD. They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.
Stimulants
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD help by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in the brain. This helps reduce symptoms, increases the duration of attention and improves behavior. Different medicines affect people in different ways, and it may take a while to find the right one(s) and the most effective dose(s).
Whichever medication you or your child is taking, they should always be taken according to the prescriptions of your physician. Intaking too either too much or not enough can cause serious harm. It is important to take your medication at the same time every day to ensure a steady amount of medication in your body. Children who are being treated for ADHD must be assisted to stick to a routine and often need help in this area from parents, teachers and other caregivers.
Stimulants are among the most popular drugs used to treat ADHD. These drugs stimulate brain activity, specifically in areas that control attention and behaviour. These are the first treatments that doctors consider and are effective for 70% to 80percent of children and adults with ADHD. Stimulants reduce hyperactivity, fidgeting, and interrupting. They also improve school performance and behaviour. They also can help with problems at home as well as in relationships.
Methylphenidate (formerly Ritalin) is the most commonly prescribed stimulant medication for treating ADHD. It is available in short-acting tablet form that starts working within 30 to 60 minutes, and disappears after 3 to 4 hours. It's also available in long-acting tablets that are designed to be consumed every day in the morning and last between six and eight hours. Many people prefer to supplement an active tablet with a shorter-acting one in the late afternoon to prevent the "crash" that can sometimes occur as the stimulant begins to wear off.
Amphétamines are also a major type of ADHD medication. They are more powerful than methylphenidate, and they can last for longer. Examples of these include Adderall and Dexedrine. They are available in tablet or liquid form and are usually more suitable for teenagers of older age or adults who aren't concerned with the way the medicine tastes.
Both types of stimulants can cause adverse effects, such as headaches, nausea and sleep problems. They also can increase the heart rate and blood pressure in some people.
Non-stimulants
Nonstimulant medications for ADHD like atomoxetine and guanfacine, change how chemical messengers within the brain function and are less likely to cause you feel "high" or buzzed. adhd and anxiety medication are also less likely to cause addiction or abuse. They can be used by people who are unable to use stimulants, or as part of a treatment plan along with modifications to lifestyle and skills training.
There is some debate about how effective they are since some studies show that they don't improve academic performance of students with ADHD. However, does adhd medication work with ADHD who take these drugs claim that they improve their ability to focus, finish tasks and manage their emotions. They also report that their social life and relationships improve and that they feel happier overall.