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Question: How Much Do You Know About Does ADHD Medication Work?
How Does ADHD Medication Work?

Medications reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing levels of the chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline that transmit messages between brain cells. The most frequently prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, Glycine and atomoxetine.


Finding the right dosage and medication can be a trial-and error process. Your doctor's communication with you should be honest and open.

Stimulants

The stimulant drugs prescribed to treat ADHD boost levels of the hormones dopamine as well as noradrenaline. Exactly how they do this is unclear but the result is that memory and attention improve, and hyperactivity decreases. The drugs do not treat ADHD however. They serve as a tool to aid people to function in a world that is typically not designed for people with neurodivergent brains.

Most stimulants are controlled substances, 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 problems. It may take some time to find the right dosage and medication and it is essential for people suffering from ADHD to keep regular sessions with their healthcare professional.

The dosage of stimulant medications differs for adults and children. Doctors may suggest lifestyle interventions as a complement to medications, and to help people with ADHD discover the best way to manage their symptoms. A psychiatric social worker or nurse could also be part of the treatment team.

ADHD and mood disorders such as dysthymia or depression can often coexist. Usually, clinicians will treat the mood disorder, and then assess the ADHD symptoms. The underlying cause of the disorder may influence the behavior of the patient so it is better to treat the underlying issue rather than treating the symptoms.

While the drugs are effective, they are not the only solution and should be used in conjunction with other treatments such as psychosocial work and parenting training, physical exercise and diet and nutrition counseling. In fact an enumeration of parents found that just 41 percent were very satisfied with their child's ADHD medications and just 25 percent were extremely happy.

The stimulants may have undesirable adverse effects, such as addiction and abuse. If medication for adhd 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 common medications used to treat ADHD are the methylphenidates and amphetamines. They are available both on prescription and over-the-counter. They are available in extended-release formulations, which can be taken once daily in the morning for up to eight hours. Many people take tablets that release immediately in the afternoon to boost the effectiveness of these medications. The additional tablet helps to cover the time between the first medication fading and prevents an abrupt decrease in energy and motivation. In addition to helping with concentration and focus, a few people report that their ADHD medications allow them to sleep in the evening more easily since they can stop the racing thoughts that kept them awake prior to. This could be a sign that the medication works. Many have reported that the initial symptoms of ADHD get better as they age.

Read More: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication