How well does ADHD medication work?
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. Children with the disorder may be hyperactive and exhibit impulsive behavior. They may also struggle to pay attention, follow instructions, and finish tasks. Adults with ADHD may struggle to follow instructions, remember information, concentrate, or organize tasks. Adult symptoms may differ from those seen in children.
What is ADHD medication?
ADHD medication assists people with ADHD in focusing their thoughts. Medication assists them in ignoring distractions, paying attention, and controlling their Behaviour. ADHD medication does not cure it. However, it can help alleviate ADHD symptoms while you or your child is taking it, allowing you to function more effectively. Therefore, medication & consultation (whether online or in person) with a good Psychiatrist is quite essential for patients with ADHD.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States has approved a variety of medications to treat ADHD. Many medications can be used to treat ADHD in children as young as six years old.
What does ADHD medication do?
Depending on the type, ADHD medications work in different ways. However, all ADHD medications work by increasing the levels of important chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters). Dopamine and norepinephrine are two of these neurotransmitters. Increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters helps improve ADHD symptoms such as
Each person is affected differently by ADHD medications. What works for one person might not work for you or your child. Your healthcare provider may need to try different medications and doses to find what works for you or your child. ADHD Psychiatrist will monitor you or your child and adjust the medication dose to find the right balance of benefits and side effects. Most people find that ADHD medication helps their symptoms once they find the right medication and dose. Hyperactivity, attention span, and impulsive Behaviour symptoms all improve.
What are the different types of ADHD medications?
ADHD medications include stimulants and non-stimulants. Antidepressants are frequently prescribed by ADHD Adults Specialists
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common type of prescription medication used to treat ADHD. Stimulants, contrary to their name, do not work by increasing your stimulation. Rather, they work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain. These neurotransmitters play critical roles in your ability to focus, think, and stay motivated. Approximately 80% of children with ADHD have fewer symptoms after finding the right stimulant medication and dosage, according to studies.
Stimulants are classified as controlled substances, which means they can be misused or cause substance use disorders. However, stimulant medication use is safe when under the care and supervision of your provider. Your provider may order an electrocardiogram (EKG) screening before prescribing a stimulant to avoid complications from a previously undetected heart rhythm issue.
Non-stimulants
Non-stimulants are prescription medications, but unlike stimulants, they are not controlled substances. That means you're less likely to abuse or become reliant on them. They work by increasing norepinephrine levels in the brain.
ADHD medications that are not stimulants take longer to work than stimulants. You may not feel the full effects of these medications for three to four weeks after starting them. These medications, on the other hand, can help you improve your attention, focus, and impulsivity. They are capable of working for up to 24 hours.
Your doctor may prescribe a non-stimulant for a variety of reasons, including
Antidepressants
Antidepressants have not been specifically approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD. However, for the treatment of ADHD, healthcare providers may prescribe them alone or in combination with a stimulant. Antidepressants that are commonly prescribed for ADHD affect the dopamine and norepinephrine levels in your brain. Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclics are the most commonly used drug classes.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are antidepressants that only work on serotonin levels in your brain, have not been shown to be effective in treating the main symptoms of ADHD. However, if you also have a mental health condition such as depression or an anxiety disorder, they can be useful in conjunction with stimulants.
How long will it be necessary for my child or me to take ADHD medication?
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition with no known cure. It is not the same as taking antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection. To manage your symptoms, you'll need to continue taking ADHD medication. Furthermore, up to 50% of children with ADHD will continue to have symptoms into adulthood. If you find a medication that helps you manage your symptoms, it may be beneficial to continue taking it for the rest of your life.