How Does Medication For ADHD Work?
Stimulants boost the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which can improve the ability to focus and control impulses. They are available in immediate-release (short acting) and extended release tablets. They are taken every day in the morning.
Nonstimulant medications can improve attention and impulse management, but they take longer to work. Atomoxetine, Viloxazine and guanfacine are antidepressants that increase norepinephrine levels.
Stimulants
The most frequently used ADHD drugs are stimulants such as dexamphetamine (Dexedrine), methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Lisdexamfetamine (Focalin). These drugs boost the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters aid the prefrontal cortex, which controls the planning and organization of tasks. Stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms in around 70 percent to 80% children and adults who use them. These symptoms include fidgeting and yelling at other people. They also have the inability to finish or completing tasks, and difficulties finishing or complete tasks. The medication can also help reduce social problems such as not being capable of listening to others and having trouble keeping promises.
The medication starts to work as soon it crosses the blood-brain barrier which can take between 45 to 60 minutes. This is the reason why people notice changes in their brains almost immediately. For medication for add in adults , a doctor might recommend an "start low and gradually increase" approach by increasing the dosage gradually over a period of three or four weeks. Teachers and parents can give feedback on the efficacy of the medication during this period. GPs can also track the effects by using scales, such as the Connor global index score which measures a child's performance against other children of their age and gender who don't have ADHD.
The GP will discuss with the patient and their family the risks and benefits, as well as the negative side effects of different medications. It is important to be honest, particularly when the medication doesn't appear to have any effect. The GP will then suggest another treatment alternative.
Non-stimulant drugs
ADHD can also be treated with a variety of other medication. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant which increases the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine is among these medications. Other older medications, such as tricyclics are also used. They are less likely to cause adverse reactions than stimulants, but they may take longer to take effect.
Disorders of the psychiatric spectrum
Mental disorders, like depression and anxiety, may coexist with ADHD and make it harder for patients to get the most benefit from their medications. In many cases, a clinician will treat the mood disorder and review their patient.
Abuse
Particularly among teenagers and adolescents who use stimulant drugs to boost energy or weight loss effects They can be misused. They also are prone to abuse by those who have an alcohol or drug abuse, or with a family or personal history of mental health issues such as bipolar disorder.
It can be frustrating to not see immediate effects from ADHD medication. It is important to remember, however, that many sufferers will need to test several different kinds of medication before they discover one that alleviates their symptoms. It's also important to stick with the medication as long as you can, and to keep regular visits with the GP to monitor the progress of the medication and look for any adverse reactions. The GP can then determine whether it's necessary to increase the dosage or if it's time change medications. Doctors can also assist to identify lifestyle and behavioral changes that can enhance the effect of medication.