How Does Medication For ADHD Work?
ADHD medication can aid children and adults improve their ability focus and control their impulses. It also helps them become more organized. Your healthcare provider will collaborate with you and your child to determine the best treatment for them.
Stimulants are the first line treatment for ADHD. They boost the levels of two brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine.
Stimulants
Stimulant medication for ADHD help by increasing the levels of certain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in the brain. This helps reduce symptoms, improves attention span and improves the way you behave. Different medicines affect people in different ways, and it may take a while to find the right one(s) and the most effective dose(s).
Whatever medication you or your children are taking, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions. Too much or insufficient medication could cause severe adverse negative effects. It is also essential to take the medicine at the same time each day, to maintain the dosage consistent in the body. Children who are being treated for ADHD must be assisted to stick to a routine and often require assistance in this area from teachers, parents, and other caregivers.
The majority of the medicines used to treat ADHD are known as stimulants. They are drugs that increase activity in the brain, especially in areas that control behaviour and attention. They are the first therapy most doctors try and they are effective for 70 to 80percent of adults and children with ADHD. Stimulants can reduce the amount of fidgeting, hyperactivity and interrupting. They also help improve school performance and behaviour. They can also help with relationships and home problems.
Methylphenidate, formerly Ritalin, is the most commonly used stimulant medication used to treat ADHD. adult adhd medication uk as short-acting tablets that start working within 30 to 45 minutes after being taken and wear off after three to four hours. It's also available in long-acting tablets, which are designed to be consumed once a day in the morning and last from six to eight hours. Many people prefer to pair a long-acting tablet with a short-acting one in the afternoon, to prevent the "crash" that may happen as the stimulant starts to wear off.
The other major kind of ADHD medication is amphetamines, which are stronger and can last longer than methylphenidate medications. Examples of these are Adderall and Dexedrine. They are available in chewable tablets or liquid form and are usually more suitable for teenagers of older age or adults who aren't concerned with the way the medicine tastes.
Both types of stimulants may cause side effects, like loss of appetite, headaches and sleep problems. They also can increase the heart rate and blood pressure in some people.
Non-stimulants
Nonstimulant medicines for ADHD such as atomoxetine and guanfacine, change the way chemical messengers in the brain work and are less likely to cause you feel "high" or buzzed. They are also less likely to lead to addiction or abuse. They are suitable for people who are unable to use stimulants, or as part of a treatment plan along with lifestyle changes and skill training.
Certain studies have demonstrated that they don't improve the academic performance of students with ADHD. The majority of teenagers who suffer from ADHD who are taking these medications say that they have improved their ability to concentrate and complete tasks, and also manage their emotions. They also report improvements in their social lives as well as relationships and overall happiness.