Find a provider<\/a>, and in just 48 hours, you could receive an evaluation and personalized treatment to manage your ADHD.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Neurotransmitters in Our Brains Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help facilitate communication within the complex signaling pathways of the brain. They act as a messaging system by carrying the signal from one neuron to another and are responsible for proper functioning within the brain and nervous system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neurons are not in direct contact with each other and require neurotransmitters to help bridge this gap in communication. The small area between the two neurons is referred to as the synapse, and this is where the neurotransmitters are released from one neuron and travel to the other. This is where they bind to receptors on the adjacent neuron, which continues the given signal down the pathway. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a number of different types of neurotransmitters, and each has unique properties that influence the neurons to behave differently. There are three main classifications of neurotransmitters, which include excitatory, inhibitory, and modulatory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When bound to the receptors of the neuron, the different neurotransmitters will work by either stimulating the firing of the neuron or, in contrast, inhibiting the action potential from firing. In addition, modulating neurotransmitters helps to enhance the excitatory or inhibitory response, although they do not directly bind to the receptors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Stimulants Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In ADHD patients, it is believed that there are lower levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in under-stimulation and reduced activity in certain regions of the brain that contribute to impulse, decision-making, and maintaining attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stimulant medications work by increasing the two depleted neurotransmitters found in ADHD patients: dopamine and norepinephrine. Stimulants increase neurotransmission between neurons, improving the chemical messaging system within the brain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Types of Stimulants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are two common types of stimulants: Methylphenidate and Amphetamine. Both prescription stimulants are considered the first line of treatment for ADHD in both children and adults. Although they belong to the same class of medications, there are some key differences between the two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Methylphenidate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Methylphenidate medications include Ritalin and Concerta, brand-name drugs. This type of stimulant works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine. In doing so, dopamine is able to remain in the synapse for a longer period of time, resulting in more activation of the receiving neuron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Amphetamine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Amphetamines are available in name brands such as Adderall and Vyvanse. Like methylphenidates, amphetamines work by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, causing increased activation of the adjacent neuron. In addition, amphetamines stimulate the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from the neuron as well, causing a larger concentration of both dopamine and norepinephrine in the synapse.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t