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How Does Medication For ADHD Work?
Stimulants can improve your ability to focus and control impulses by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine within your brain. They are available in both immediate-release (short acting) and extended release tablets. They can be taken once daily in the morning.
Nonstimulant drugs take longer to work but they can also enhance the ability to control impulses and attention. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guanfacine (Viloxazine) are in the antidepressant class and boost levels of norepinephrine.
Stimulants
The most commonly used ADHD medications are stimulants, such as dexamphetamine (Dexedrine) as well as the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (Focalin). These drugs increase the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters aid the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for the process of planning and organizing tasks. Stimulants can reduce ADHD symptoms in about 70 percent to 80% children and adults who take them. The symptoms include fidgeting and talking over others. They also have inability to finish or completing tasks, as well as difficulties finishing or completing 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 once they have crossed the blood-brain barrier, which takes between 45 and 60 minutes. This is why patients notice changes in their brains almost immediately. For children, a doctor might recommend an "start low and then increase" approach by increasing the dosage gradually over three or four weeks. During this time teachers and parents can provide feedback about whether the medication is helping. GPs can also track the effects of medication using scales such as the Connor global index score which compares a child with other children of the same age and gender who don't have ADHD.
The GP will discuss with the patient and their family the risks, benefits and negative side effects of different medications. It is crucial to here be open, especially when the medication doesn't appear to have any effect. The GP will then suggest a different treatment alternative.
Non-stimulant drugs
A variety of other drugs are also used to treat ADHD. Some are antidepressants like bupropion (Wellbutrin) that works by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as other older medications such as tricyclics. These drugs are less likely than stimulants to cause 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 and make it difficult for patients to get the best results possible from their medications. In many instances, a doctor will treat the mood disorder and then review their patient.
Abuse
These medications can be misused particularly among adolescents and teenagers, who are often prescribed them due to their weight loss or energy properties. They also are prone to abuse in people who have an alcohol or drug misuse, or a family or personal history of mental health issues like bipolar disorder.
It can be frustrating to not see immediate effects from ADHD medication. It is important to keep in mind that a lot of people will need to test several different types of medication before they can find one that eases their symptoms. It is important to take the medication for as long as you are able, and to visit your GP regularly to monitor your progress and look out for any side consequences. These will aid the GP determine if the current dosage is adequate or needs to be increased or if the medication must be changed to another type or combination of medications. The GP can also help determine changes in lifestyle and behavior that could enhance the effectiveness of the medication.