How Does ADHD Medication Work?
The drugs help reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of dopamine and Noradrenaline, which are chemicals that transmit messages between brain cells. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate as well as Atomoxetine.
Finding adhd anxiety medication and dose will require a lot of trial and error. Open, honest communication with your doctor is crucial.
Stimulants
The stimulant medications prescribed for ADHD boost levels of the hormones dopamine and noradrenaline. Exactly how they do this isn't clear however the end result is that attention and memory improve and hyperactivity decreases. The medication does not treat ADHD, however. They're a tool that can assist people in a society that is typically not designed for people with neurodivergent brains.
The majority of stimulants are controlled drugs, so doctors must monitor the person taking them for any side effects such as sudden drops in energy, a decrease in appetite and shakiness or sleep issues. It can take time to determine the appropriate dosage and medication and it is crucial for those suffering from ADHD to keep regular appointments with their doctor.
The dosage of stimulant medication is different for adults and children and dosages can differ. Doctors may recommend lifestyle modifications as a supplement to medications, and to aid people suffering from ADHD learn how best manage their symptoms. A social worker or psychiatric nurse could be part of the treatment team, as well.
It is not uncommon for mood disorders such as dysthymia and depression to coexist with ADHD. Typically, clinicians treat the mood disorder first, and then review the ADHD symptoms. This is because the root disorder can impact the way the person behaves, and it is better to address the core issue than try to medicate the symptoms away.
While the drugs can be beneficial however, they aren't the only solution and should be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychosocial work and parenting skills training, physical exercise, and nutrition and diet counseling. In fact, a recent survey of parents found that only 41 percent were extremely satisfied with their child's ADHD medications, while only 25 percent were extremely happy.
The stimulants could have adverse consequences, 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.
The most popular medications used to treat ADHD are the methylphenidates and amphetamines, which are available as prescriptions as well as over-the-counter. These medications are available in extended-release formulas, which can be taken once daily in the morning for six to eight hours. Many people supplement these long-acting drugs with tablets that release immediately in the mid or late afternoon. The extra tablet covers the time between the initial medication wearing off and prevents an abrupt drop in motivation and energy. Some claim that ADHD medication helps them fall asleep more easily at night because it quiets the racing thoughts. This can be a sign that the medication is working. Many report that the onset symptoms of ADHD improve as they get older.