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How Does ADHD Medication Work? When a neuron sends a message to another neuron, it makes use of neurotransmitters, chemicals. They must cross a tiny gap called the synapse. Some ADHD medications can increase the efficiency of these messages. They can assist neurons in the release of more neurotransmitters or slow the process of reuptake (called reuptake inhibitors). Doctors put patients suffering from ADHD with a low dose of medication, and then monitor their responses. They gradually increase the dosage to find the “sweet spot,” the lowest dose that results in a significant improvement in symptoms and has few adverse side effects. Methylphenidate Methylphenidate is the primary type of medication doctors often attempt to assist children with ADHD. It increases the amount of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in children's brains, which helps them pay attention and concentrate. It also reduces their impulsivity and hyperactivity. Remember that methylphenidate should only be taken with a doctor’s supervision as it is a controlled substance. The most common methylphenidate medication is Ritalin. It's available as tablets with immediate release (Ritalin, Concerta, or Quillichew ER) chewable tablets with a long-acting mechanism (Cotempla XR-ODT or Adhansia XR) or long-acting capsules (Adhansia PM or Jornay PM). Certain forms of the medication contain aspartame (an artificial sweetener) which is hazardous for people suffering from Phenylketonuria, a genetic condition which causes severe intellectual impairment. Inform your doctor if or your child suffer from food allergies. Researchers have found that methylphenidate reduces aberrant activity in certain areas of the brain, including the nucleus of accumbens, as well as a brain network comprised of three networks that play a role in adaptive control. This may explain why methylphenidate was found to be one of the most effective drugs for treating ADHD. Stimulants can cause side effects that include loss of appetite and sleepiness, stomach upset headache, anxiety, disturbances, and tics. These aren't common, but they can be serious. You should consult your physician immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. You should also tell your doctor if your child suffers from allergies, the presence of heart disease, depression, bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions or glaucoma, a past history of seizures or stroke, or if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), linezolid (Zyvox) and methylene blue, or phenelzine (Nardil). It is crucial to take your methylphenidate exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Amphetamines Amphetamines speed up messages between brain cells and help you concentrate your thoughts and ignore distractions. They are the most common drugs used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. They boost the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. Amphetamines are available in both short-acting (immediate-release) and intermediate or long-acting forms. They can be taken either orally or through injection. Suggested Looking at are troubled by the adverse effects of stimulant medication, like restlessness or difficulty sleeping, or an increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and adjust the dosage to find the best one for you. Some patients may require multiple medications to achieve the desired outcome. Drugs that stimulate the brain affect two key neurotransmitters located in the prefrontal cortex. This is the region of the brain that regulates emotions and controls your behavior. These medications are prescribed to treat a variety of mental health problems, including ADD/ADHD, depression anxiety, bipolar disorder and depression. The most commonly used types of stimulant drugs are amphetamines and methylphenidates. The FDA has approved dozens of brand-name stimulants for treating ADHD. They come in different types, from short-acting up to long-acting. They are injected orally or by injection. Students, truck drivers and teenagers who need more energy to compete in endurance sports can take amphetamines. Amphetamines can cause mental and physical issues when they are misused, especially at higher doses. ADHD is treatable with non-stimulant medications. These include atomoxetine, clonidine, and guanfacine. They are in the same class as antidepressants and belong to the norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and alpha-2 adrenergic agonists classes. They are built on the same chemical that stimulants do, but they are less likely to cause tics in people with Tourette syndrome. Short-acting stimulants These medicines are used to treat adolescents and children with ADHD. They can be taken by mouth or applied to the skin. They are available as pills that can be swallowed or chewed or chewed, capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food items, as well as liquids and patches. They are usually available only on prescription by a physician. These include methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana), and amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse). Short-acting stimulants have a rapid effect and last between 3 to 6 hours. These drugs ease symptoms for 70 percent to 80% adults and kids with ADHD. They reduce fidgeting, interrupting and make it easier to complete your tasks. They also help improve academic performance and relationships. However, they can't address the root issues that cause ADHD. So it's important to use them along with behavior therapy. It's also important to understand that ADHD medications can have adverse effects. They can make you drowsy or cranky, and could interfere with your sleep. But these effects are usually minimal and will disappear once the medicine is eliminated from your body. Your doctor may advise you to start with a smaller dose and increase it gradually. They will monitor you or your child closely to determine whether there are any issues with the medication. It can take some time to determine the best medication and dose for you or your child. It is best to communicate openly with your health professional. They might suggest changes in the amount of medication that you or your child takes or if any medication is required at all. They'll also want to know if you or your child suffers from any other medical or mental health conditions. Intermediate stimulants Stimulants work to control ADHD symptoms by altering the activities of key neurotransmitters in the brain. This increases the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine, two chemicals important for the pre-frontal cortex area of the brain. (Think of it as “your secretary” in the executive function part of your mind). The use of stimulants is efficient for the majority of ADHD children. Your doctor will help you determine the right medication and dosage for you. You may need to test different types of medication before settling on the one that is right for you or your child. You can take these stimulants in tablet or liquid form. They begin to work quickly and last for three or four hours. The “crash effect” occurs when the medicine is exhausted. This is characterized by an abrupt drop in energy levels and extreme hunger. There are also stimulants that act long-lastingly like dexamfetamine or lisdexamfetamine. These are a little more complicated and require a prescription. They are injected into bloodstreams and are then converted from inactive active in red blood cells. Finding the right medication, dosage and schedule for your child or yourself can take some time. Your doctor will observe your reaction to the medication and will look for any signs of trouble such as sleep issues. If you or your child are not responding well to stimulants, they will also discuss non-stimulant medication. Never stop or alter your ADHD medication without consulting your physician. It's also important to inform your doctor about any prescription supplements and medications you're taking, as certain of them may interact with other ADHD medications. Long-acting stimulants Stimulant medicines are effective for 70 to 80 percent of children and adults with ADHD aiding in cutting down on hyperactivity, interruptions, fidgeting, and impulsivity. They also help increase focus and help people finish tasks and maintain relationships. However, they aren't able to alleviate moodiness or other irritable symptoms. They can also cause adverse effects such as sleepiness, loss of appetite stomachaches, jitteriness, changes in heart rhythm and high blood pressure. These medications work in stages to treat ADHD symptoms throughout the day. The majority of these medications begin to work within 30 to 60 minutes and fade after 3 to 6 hours. They can be used by themselves or in conjunction with other types of ADHD treatment, like behavioral therapy. Some of these long acting stimulants, like atomoxetine-ER (Intuniv) and Guanfacine (Strattera) can last for a long time and even the next day. Some doctors suggest using them to fill up an afternoon trough, so that patients do not require an additional dose at school or after school. Long-acting stimulants don't increase dopamine levels to the same extent as short- or intermediate-acting drugs. However, they still have a significant effect on dopamine levels. As a result, they don't trigger the same kind of rebound effects that can occur with shorter-acting stimulants. Long-acting stimulants, due to the potential side effects are typically prescribed as a last resort for adults suffering from ADHD and older teens. They can also be employed to treat a few patients with ADHD when other medications haven't been effective. While medication can aid in improving self-control and concentration but it's not the only option for people suffering from ADHD. With the help of good sleeping habits, healthy diets, and other self-help techniques it's possible to reduce, or even eliminate, the requirement for ADHD medication.