Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
The stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritualin) and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse) aid in controlling their impulses and focus. Atomoxetine is a nonstimulant that increases brain neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine.
The majority of people with ADHD are treated with a combination of medicine along with talk therapy and skills training. The correct dosage and timing of the medication is important for maximizing its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the nervous system, in addition to other systems. They are prescribed drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. They can also be used as recreational drugs to increase energy and concentration. They can be consumed in a mouthful, snorted or inhaled. According to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a significant risk of abuse.
Amphetamines, as well as methylphenidate, are among the most popular stimulant medications. Amphetamines increase alertness, cognition and productivity by boosting the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. They can help people with ADHD feel less tired and boost their concentration. They can also reduce depression in those with ADHD and help them sleep better. They can also help reduce risk-taking behavior, such as gambling, drinking and drug abuse.
These medications may cause serious side effects if they are not taken correctly or if you take too much. These medications should only be taken as directed by your physician.
People who misuse stimulants can develop a dependence and develop an addiction, called stimulant use disorder. It is important to recognize symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The signs include a desire for the medication, difficulty stopping the use, and a negative impact on your everyday functioning and relationships.
In addition to being addictive, stimulants can be dangerous for people with certain health problems. These substances can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. They can also lead to seizures and other mental issues.
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within weeks after they begin taking stimulant medications. However, it takes longer for some people to notice an improvement. These improvements are typically noticeable to family friends, teachers, and colleagues at work.
Addiction to stimulants can develop when people take them at higher doses or for longer periods than recommended by their health care providers. It can also happen when stimulants are mixed with other substances like opioids. This can cause a dangerous combination of effects that increases the likelihood of an overdose and even death.
treat adhd in adults can cause dependence, but they are less likely to lead to addiction than illicit drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine. However any substance misused incorrectly can result in dependence and addiction.
Stimulant medications can be misused easily and is often mixed with alcohol or another substance to enhance its effect. Nicotine amphetamines, caffeine and methamphetamines are among the most commonly used stimulants abused by adolescents to improve their performance at school in sports, at school, or at work.
Amphetamines are commonly found in prescription and over-the counter medicines like Adderall. Amphetamines can also be purchased as a street substance, that is often referred to as "study drug". They can be smoked, snorted, or dissolved in a solution of water and injecting directly into the muscle or vein. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules crystals that are clear or brownish and powders that can be sprinkled over food items.
