How methylphenidate works in adhd?

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as a “chatty Cathy” disturbed social skills of interacting with people who can’t seem to shut up, is one of the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders in children. It is often characterized by symptoms such as: restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and impulsivity. The disorder can have consequences for both academic performance and social behavior; however, many individuals with ADHD find that medication like methylphenidate may help manage their symptoms. In this article we’re going to dive into how methylphenidate works in ADHD.

What is Methylphenidate?

Methylphenidate (commonly referred to as Ritalin) is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It’s frequently prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, it has also been used to treat narcolepsy – which almost sounds made up but you know strangers on the internet wouldn’t lie!

When taken properly according to instructions from your doctor or healthcare professional – because let’s face it folks while 90% complete our medical degrees via Google searches it’s best therapy comes from someone not sporting an MD earned at WebMD University– Methylphenidate can help reduce the symptoms associated with conditions like ADD/ADHD.

Side Effects

So what do patients taking Ritalin need watch out for? Well similar CNS drug treatments medications such as amphetamine there are some common side effects figures may experience when starting treatment:

Common Side Effects Include Rare side effects
Dry mouth Increased heart rate
Insomnia Psychotic episodes
Lack of appetite Slowed growth rate
Now I don’t know about you guys but if dry mouth is considered a side effect, I am calling BS on all the diets out there pushing you to drink more water! It definitely feels like everything relates back to being healthy and hydrated in the end. But enough about that, let’s get back into how Methylphenidate works.

How Does Methylphenidate Work in ADHD?

Methylphenidate reduces symptoms of ADHD by blocking norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake – does anyone remember chemistry classes at this point? I know it seems mind-numbing even considering almost everyone has seen Breaking Bad or listened to Bill Nye explain it so eloquently. In any case, herein lies the heart of why we’re here!

When methylphenidate enters the bloodstream from oral ingestion as prescribed – please folks do not snort your medication – it decreases your reuptake of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. What is “re-uptake” though and why is that important? See when nerve cells release these chemicals they bind to receptors on other cells – this somewhat creates a domino effect type binding with one receptor signaling others leading again someone listening becoming impulsive before their doctor gets around adjusting medication dosages until finally adding meds properly regulates them.

The belief currently pushed by medical professionals in addition to drug developers states that flawed communication happens because too much Dopamine ends up signaled between cooperating brain cells known as Neurons…think about call waiting but way less efficient otherwise known Hyperactivity Smart doctors have figured out that many individuals diagnosed with ADHD likely experience due deficits dubbed hypoactivity attention loss issues via another messenger chemical called Norepinephrine.

Without getting too technical both of these molecules are effective communicators for neurons while stimulating their specialized structure which helps maintain normal cognitive processes– henceforth making them desirable effects central nervous system drug treatments good-mannered people would want (we always gotta find a way to spin things positively right?)

So, how does Methylphenidate work with these neurochemicals?

The medication is mainly known for its ability to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine which increases its availability inside of synapses – this may increase Dopamine’s effectiveness in facilitating communication between brain cells. Furthermore, the drug has been proven effective at increasing levels of Norepinephrine used by synapse receptors – thus helping persons suffering from ADHD achieve better concentration over time.

Conclusion

So there you have it folks! Don’t let anyone discourage you or tell you that Ritalin won’t work. People experiencing ADD/ADHD symptoms find relief using this medication correctly prescribed by their healthcare provider- just like any other CNS Drugs come with potential side effects so be sure to consult doctors should they occur. All that said maybe, just maybe taking your prescription will mean there’s hope if someday your chatting all day and can return back into society focusing and non-impulsive again thanks to our trusty friend Methylphenidate become less chatterbox happy on certain days Thanks for reading!

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