Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate, (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse), help people control their impulses and focus. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant that boosts brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
The majority of adults with ADHD are treated with the combination of medications and life-skills training. The right dose and timing of the medication is essential to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems including the nervous system. They are prescribed medications that treat narcolepsy, obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also abused illegally as recreational drugs to increase energy and focus. They can be taken by mouth, snorted, or injected. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a significant abuse risk.
Amphetamines as well as methylphenidate are two of the main groups of stimulant medications. Amphetamines boost alertness, focus and productivity by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They can improve concentration and reduce feelings of fatigue among people who have ADHD. They can also help reduce depression in those with ADHD and help them sleep better. They can also reduce risk-taking behaviors, like drinking, gambling and drug use.
These medications can cause serious side effects if they are taken improperly or excessively. treatments for adhd should only be taken according to the instructions of your doctor.
People who use stimulants may develop a dependence and develop an addiction, known as stimulant use disorder. It is important to identify the symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The signs of addiction include a desire to take the drug, difficulty in stopping, and a negative effect on your everyday functioning.
In addition to being addictive, stimulants can be harmful for those with certain health issues. These drugs can increase the blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause a stroke or heart attack. They can also trigger seizures and other mental issues.
Many people with ADHD see a positive improvement in their symptoms just several weeks after beginning stimulant medication. However, it can take longer for some people to notice an improvement. These improvements are usually visible to family or friends, teachers, and work colleagues.
The onset of addiction to stimulants can occur when people take these drugs in greater doses than prescribed or for longer than the recommended time by their healthcare professionals. It may also happen when stimulants are used in conjunction with other substances, such as opioids. This can cause a dangerous combination of effects that can increase the chance of an overdose and death.
The use of prescription stimulants can lead to addiction however they are less likely to cause addiction than illicit drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines. However any substance used incorrectly can lead to dependence and addiction.
Stimulant medication can be abused easily and is often mixed with alcohol or other substance to increase its effects. Nicotine amphetamines, caffeine and methamphetamines are among the most common stimulants abused by teenagers to improve their performance at school and in sports or at work.
Amphetamines are found in prescription and over-the counter medications, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are also sold as a street drug, which is commonly known as "study drug". They can be consumed in a variety of ways, including snorting, smoking or dissolving in a solution of water and put directly into the vein or muscle. They are available in the form of or capsules, tablets, brownish or clear crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled over food.