How Does ADHD Medication Work?
The drugs help reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the levels of Dopamine and Noradrenaline. Both are chemicals that transmit messages between brain cells. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate atomoxetine and glycine.
Finding the right dosage and medication can be a trial and error process. adult adhd medication uk , honest communication with your doctor is essential.
Stimulants
The stimulant medications prescribed to treat ADHD increase levels of dopamine and Naradrenaline. It is unclear how the drugs work however, they can improve attention and memory, and reduce hyperactivity. The medications do not cure ADHD, however. They're a tool that can help people function in a world that is often not set up for people with neurodivergent brains.
Most stimulants are controlled substances and doctors must be able to observe the person taking them to make sure they don't cause any adverse effects like a sudden decrease in energy, appetite suppression and shakiness or sleep problems. It can take time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication, and it is important for those suffering from ADHD to attend regular sessions with their healthcare professional.
The effects of stimulant medications differ for children and adults, and dosages can differ. Doctors may suggest lifestyle interventions as a supplement to medication, and to aid people suffering from ADHD understand how to manage their symptoms. A psychiatrist social worker or nurse could also be part of the treatment team.
ADHD and mood disorders such as dysthymia or depression often coexist. Typically, the clinician treats the mood disorder first and then review the ADHD symptoms. The underlying cause of the disorder may alter the person's behavior so it is better to treat the underlying issue rather than treating the symptoms.
The medications are helpful however they aren't an all-encompassing solution. They should be combined with other treatments, for example, cognitive behavior therapy, psychosocial work, parenting skills training, exercise, and diet and nutrition counseling. In fact, a recent survey of parents revealed that only 41 percent were very satisfied with their child's ADHD medications, while only 25 percent were extremely happy.
Some stimulants can cause undesirable side effects, including addiction and abuse. If they are misused -- injected or smoked, taken in higher-than-prescribed amounts or by people who do not have ADHD, such as methamphetamine (meth) and cocaine, or abused in the form of "bath salts" that contain synthetic cathinones -- the results can be extremely dangerous.
Amphetamines as well as methylphenidates are the most common medications prescribed to treat ADHD. They are also available for purchase over the counter. These medications are available in extended-release formulations that can be taken daily in the morning for six to eight hours. Many people supplement these long-acting medications with immediate-release tablets taken in the mid to late afternoon. The additional tablet helps fill in the time between when the first medication is fading and avoids a sudden drop in motivation and energy. Alongside helping with concentration and focus, a few people claim that their ADHD meds allow them to fall asleep at night faster because the medication calms the racing thoughts that kept them awake prior to. This could be an indication that the medication is working. Many report that the initial symptoms of ADHD improve as they get older.