Explain this in terms of neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
2007-01-24 04:56:12 · 3 answers · asked by Sled Queen 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Most stimulants inhibit the reuptake of norephinephrine and dopamine in the brain. The primary effect on ADHD is thought to be the result of increased levels of norephinephrine and epinephrine, as these neurotransmitters are believed to be involved in alertness and concentration.
The increased levels of dopamine may also play a role in that it may make certain activities more appealing since the reward pathways are more easily activated. However, atomoxetine (Strattera) acts only on norephenephrine, and not dopamine, and is still effective at treating ADHD, so it is likely that norepinephrine plays a larger role in the efficacy of stimulants than dopamine does.
2007-01-24 10:12:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The ADHD drugs increase the amount of dopamine available in the brain. Is that what you wanted to know? Here's a link to an article that talks about how Ritalin, a stimulant commonly prescribed for ADHD, works.
2007-01-24 13:01:41 · answer #2 · answered by rcpeabody1 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I used to take Ritalin it gave me anxiety though so I don't take it anymore.
2007-01-24 14:15:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋