Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) assist people to focus and manage their impulses. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant that boosts the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine.
The majority of people with ADHD will be treated using a combination therapy, medication and life skills training. It is essential to select the correct dosage and timing for the medication to maximize the effectiveness of the medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems including the nervous system. They are prescribed drugs to treat narcolepsy, obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). They can also be used as recreational drugs to boost energy and focus. They can be taken orally, snorted, or injected. The stimulants are classified as Schedule II substances under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they have a high danger of abuse.
Amphetamines, along with the methylphenidate are two of the most common stimulant medications. Amphetamines boost alertness, cognition and productivity by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. They can help improve concentration and reduce feelings of fatigue in people who suffer from ADHD. They can also help some people with ADHD to sleep better and reduce depression. They may also decrease risk-taking behaviors like gambling, drinking and drug use.
These medications could cause serious side effects if they are not taken correctly or if you take too many. You should only use these medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
People who use stimulants can develop a dependency on them and develop an addiction known as stimulant use disorders. It is important to recognize signs of this problem and seek treatment. The signs include a need for the medication, difficulty stopping use, and a negative impact on your everyday functioning and relationships.
In addition to being addictive, stimulants can be harmful for those with certain health problems. adhd treatment in adults can increase your heart rate and blood pressure which can cause stroke or heart attack. They may also cause seizures, as well as other mental problems.
Many people with ADHD notice a positive change in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting stimulant medication. Some people are more reticent to notice changes. These improvements are typically noticeable to family, friends, teachers and work colleagues.
The development of addiction to stimulants may occur when people take them in larger doses than prescribed or for longer than prescribed by their health care providers. It may also happen when stimulants are combined with other substances, such as opioids. This can lead to an unwise combination which increases the risk of overdose and death.
They can be addictive, but less likely to trigger addiction than illicit drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine. However any substance used incorrectly can lead to dependence and addiction.
The effects of stimulants can be abused easily and are often mixed with alcohol or other substances to enhance the effects. Nicotine, caffeine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines are among the most commonly used stimulants abused by teens to enhance their performance at school and in sports or at work.
Amphetamines can be found in prescription and over-the counter medicines such as Adderall. Amphetamines are also available as a street substance, which is commonly known as "study drug". They can be smoked, snorted, or mixed with water and injected directly into the muscle or vein. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules and clear or brownish crystals, and a powder which can be sprinkled on food.