Ritalin in the brain
Ritalin works by increasing the amount of dopamine released in the striatum, a key region in the brain related to motivation, action and cognition.
Exercising releases dopamine in your body. Exercising makes you feel better overall and help you want to be more active. If you don't know where to start to get motivated, start by going for a run or going to the gym. Ultimately, physical activity improves ADHD and helps get rid of a lack of motivation.
These medications include amphetamine salts, such as Adderall®; methylphenidate, such as Concerta® or Ritalin®; and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, or Vyvanse®. Many types of stimulant medications are available in short-acting or extended release varieties.
New research pinpoints how ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall can change people's motivation to complete difficult tasks.
Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexapro, are just a few brands of serotonin that we prescribe for those who suffer from depression, and/or anxiety disorder. There is evidence that these drugs can also improve premenopausal symptoms, even a role in the treatment of obesity and parkinson's disease.
Summary: New research from cognitive neuroscientists has pinpointed how stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall can change people's motivation to complete difficult tasks.
Drugs such as methylphenidate (i.e., Ritalin), a medication used to treat ADHD, and sulpiride, a medication used to treat schizophrenia and depression, interact with dopamine receptors in the brain and can increase motivation.
B-Vitamins are semi-essential co-factors in catecholamine synthesis and thus reliable sources of mood and motivation enhancement. Of the B-Vitamins, vitamin B6 is the most important for brain function -- yet, other B vitamins, such as B12 and folate, may help with neurotransmitter metabolism as well.
Instead of simple laziness or a lack of motivation, this "immobility" or "sluggishness" often reflects the impairments in executive function that can be associated with ADHD.
This is where understanding what motivates you and your ADHD brain comes in handy because you can leverage the 4 pillars of motivation: novelty, interest, competition, and pressure, to get yourself into action.
Vyvanse tends to increase concentration and motivation, so addicts quickly grow dependent on it to experience these feelings. In some people, Vyvanse can cause intense rage, profuse sweating, and even skin-picking, so if you experience these symptoms, you need to talk to your doctor immediately.
ADHD specialists recommend methylphenidates as the first-choice medication for treating children and adolescents, and amphetamines as the first-choice medication for adults.
The most popular ADHD medications among ADDitude readers include (in alphabetical order): Adderall XR (amphetamine) Concerta (methylphenidate) Dexedrine (amphetamine)
Stimulants are the best and most common type of medication used to treat ADHD. There are only two stimulant medications, methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin, Concerta and other formulations) and amphetamine (the active ingredient in Adderall, Vyvanse and other formulations).
Concerta works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Dopamine plays a vital role in producing feelings of motivation and reward, while norepinephrine affects the brain's ability to pay attention. Concerta helps boost the activity of these chemicals in the brain.
Dopamine has long been known to be important for reinforcement and motivation of actions.
Prozac gives people more energy than other antidepressants. That being said, it can be helpful for those with low energy. Fluoxetine treats many mental health issues, including depression, OCD, and panic disorder.
Prozac (fluoxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are examples of “energizing” antidepressants; whereas Paxil (paroxetine) and Celexa (citalopram) tend to be more sedating.
When the dosage is too high, stimulants can cause children or even adults to seem “spacey” or “zombie-like,” or to be uncharacteristically tearful or irritable (a condition known as emotional lability). In general, the best way to rein in these side effects is simply to lower the dosage.