How Does Medication For ADHD Work?
Stimulants can increase your ability to concentrate and control impulses by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain. They are available in immediate-release (short-acting) and extended-release tablets that are taken every day, usually in the morning.
Nonstimulant medicines can enhance concentration and impulse control, but they take longer to work. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and guanfacine (Viloxazine) are both in the antidepressant class and boost levels of norepinephrine.
Stimulants
The most commonly utilized ADHD drugs are stimulants, including dexamphetamine (Dexedrine), the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (Focalin). These drugs work by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters assist the prefrontal cortex, which controls the process of planning, organizing and executing tasks. Stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms in 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. These symptoms include fumbling and talking over others. They also have the inability to finish or completing tasks, and problems with working through tasks. The medications can also reduce social problems, such as not being in a position to listen to others and having trouble keeping promises.
The drugs begin to work when they cross the blood-brain barrier, which takes between 45 and 60 minutes. This is the reason why people notice changes almost immediately. A doctor may increase the dosage gradually over three or four weeks for children. Teachers and parents can give feedback on the effectiveness of the medication during this time. Doctors can also observe the effects using scales such as the Connor global index score which measures a child's performance against other children of the same age and gender who don't have ADHD.
The doctor will discuss with the patient and family about the benefits of, risks, and adverse effects of different medications. It is important to tell the truth, especially if you don't see any improvement with your medication. The GP will then suggest another treatment option.
Non-stimulant drugs
ADHD can be treated using a variety of other medication. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant that increases the neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine is one of these medications. Other older medications, like tricyclics, are also utilized. These drugs are less likely than stimulants to trigger negative side effects, however they do take some time to begin working.
Psychiatric disorders
Psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety can coexist with ADHD, making it difficult for patients to get the best results possible from their treatment. In many instances, a physician will treat the mood disorder, and then reassess their patient.
Abuse
These medications can be misused especially among adolescents and teenagers, who are often prescribed them due to their high energy or weight-loss properties. People with a history or addiction to alcohol or drugs or mental health problems such as bipolar disorder are more likely to abuse stimulant medications.
medication for adult add is frustrating not to notice immediate results from ADHD medication. It is important to remember that many people will need to test several different types of medication before they discover one that eases their symptoms. It is important to continue taking the medication as long as you can, and to visit your GP regularly to check your progress and look out for any side effects. These will aid the GP determine whether the dosage currently used is optimal or needs to be increased, or if the medication must be switched to a different type or combination of medications. GPs can help identify changes in lifestyle and behavior that could enhance the effect of medication.