Why We Love How Does Medication For ADHD Work (And You Should Also!)

How Does Medication For ADHD Work?

Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, helping improve concentration and impulse control. They are available in immediate release (short-acting) and extended-release tablets taken once a day, typically in the morning.

Nonstimulant medications can improve attention and impulse management however they are more difficult to use. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Viloxazine) are both in the antidepressant class and boost levels of norepinephrine.

Stimulants

The most commonly utilized ADHD medications are stimulants, including dexamphetamine (Dexedrine) as well as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (Focalin). These drugs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters assist the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for the planning, organizing and execution of tasks. The stimulants help reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70% to 80% of children and adults who take them. The symptoms include fidgeting or yelling at others, forgetfulness, and difficulty working through or completing tasks. The use of medication can also reduce social issues like not listening to others or having trouble keeping promises.

Medications start working when they cross the blood-brain barrier, which takes 45 to 60 minutes. This is why people don't notice changes immediately. A doctor might increase the dose slowly over a period of three or four weeks for children. During this period teachers and parents are able to provide feedback on whether or not the medication helps. GPs can also monitor the effects by using scales such as the Connor global index score, which compares a child with other children of the same gender and age who don't have ADHD.

The GP will talk to the patient and family about the advantages as well as the risks and side effects of various medications. It is crucial to be open, especially when the medication doesn't appear to be making a difference. The GP might suggest a different treatment.

Non-stimulant drugs

A variety of other drugs are also used to treat ADHD. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant which increases the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine is among these medications. Other older medications, like tricyclics, are also utilized. These drugs are less likely than stimulants to trigger side effects, but can take some time to begin working.

Psychiatric disorders

Disorders of the mind, such as depression and anxiety, may be co-occurring with ADHD and make it difficult for patients to obtain the most benefit from their medication. In many cases, the clinician will decide to treat the mood disorder first and then assess the patient again.

Abuse

These medications can be misused especially among teens and adolescents, who are often prescribed them due to their high energy or weight-loss properties. People with a history of addiction to alcohol or drugs, or mental health issues such as bipolar disorder are more likely to misuse stimulant drugs.

It can be frustrating to not notice immediate results from ADHD medication. It is crucial to remember that most people will have to test several types of medication before finding one that offers relief from their symptoms. It's also important to stick with the medication for as long as you can, and to keep regular visits to your GP to track the progress and monitor for adverse reactions.  Iam Psychiatry  will help the GP determine if the current dosage is adequate or needs to be increased, or if the medication needs to be changed to another type or combination of medications. The GP can help identify the behavioral and lifestyle changes that could enhance the effect of medication.