Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines in the form of lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) assist people to focus and manage their impulses. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that increases brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, can also be used.
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD are treated using a combination of medicine, talk therapy and life skills training. It is crucial to choose the right dosage and time for the medication to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the speed of the body's systems, including the nervous system. They are prescribed medications that treat obesity, narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Illegally, they're used to boost focus and energy. They can be consumed orally, snorted, or injected. The stimulants are classified as Schedule II substances under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they are at danger of misuse.
Amphetamines, along with the methylphenidate are two of the most popular stimulant medications. Amphetamines increase alertness, cognition and productivity by boosting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. They can help those with ADHD feel less tired and improve their concentration. They can also help reduce depression in people who have ADHD and aid in sleeping better. They can also help reduce risk-taking behaviors like drinking, gambling and drug use.
These medications could cause serious side effects if they are not taken correctly or if you take too many. It is important to only take these medications as directed by your doctor.
People who misuse stimulants can develop a dependence and develop an addiction, known as stimulant use disorder. It is essential to identify signs of this problem and seek treatment. The signs of addiction include a desire for the substance, difficulties in stopping and a negative impact on your everyday functioning.
In addition to being addicting, stimulants are harmful for those with certain health problems. These medications can raise blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause a stroke or heart attack. They can also trigger seizures and other mental health issues.
Many people with ADHD notice a significant improvement in their symptoms just two weeks after they begin stimulant medication. Some people are more reticent to notice changes. she said are typically visible to family friends, teachers, and colleagues at work.
Addiction to stimulants can be caused by taking these drugs in greater doses than prescribed or for longer than prescribed by their health care providers. It can also occur when stimulants are taken together with other substances, like opioids. This can result in a risky combination of effects that increases the chance of an overdose or death.
Prescription stimulants are habit-forming but less likely to lead to addiction than illicit substances such as cocaine and methamphetamines. Any drug that is used improperly can cause addiction and dependence.
Stimulant medications can be misused easily and is often mixed with alcohol or another substance to increase its effects. The most common stimulants abused by adolescents to boost their performance in school, sports or work are caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and methamphetamines.
Amphetamines are commonly found in prescription and over-the counter medicines such as Adderall. Amphetamines can also be purchased as a street substance, that is often referred to as "study drug". They can be smoked, snorted, or mixed with water and put directly into the muscle or vein. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules, clear or brownish crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled on food items.