How Hyperkinesis Medications Work

Hyperkinesis, also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Medications used to treat ADHD work by targeting specific neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and impulse control.

Neurotransmitter Targets

• Norepinephrine: Methylphenidate (Ritalin), the gold standard treatment for ADHD, increases norepinephrine levels in the prefrontal cortex, improving attention and impulse control.
• Dopamine: Alternative medications like Atomoxetine (Strattera) and Guantfacine (Intuniv) increase dopamine levels, which helps regulate impulsivity and emotional dysregulation.

Medication Mechanisms of Action

Methylphenidate works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, allowing these neurotransmitters to remain in the synaptic cleft for a longer period. This increases their availability for binding to receptors on adjacent neurons, enhancing attention and impulse control.

Alternative Medications

Other medications like Clonidine (Kapvay) work by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors in the brain, which decreases norepinephrine release and helps regulate impulsivity. Guantfacine (Intuniv) also targets alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, but with a more selective action on dopamine release.