Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
The stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritalin), and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse), help people control their impulses and concentrate. Atomoxetine is a nonstimulant that increases brain neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine.
Suggested Browsing of adults suffering from ADHD will be treated with an interdisciplinary approach of medications and life-skills training. The right dose and timing of the medication is crucial to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the nervous system among other systems. They are prescription drugs that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy and obesity. They are also abused illegally as recreational drugs to increase energy and concentration. They can be consumed by mouth, snorted, or injected. In the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a high risk of abuse.
Amphetamines, in conjunction with methylphenidate, are among the most popular stimulant medications. Amphetamines boost alertness, cognition and productivity by increasing the levels of chemicals in your brain that are called dopamine and norepinephrine. They can boost concentration and decrease feelings of fatigue in those with ADHD. They can also help some people with ADHD sleep better and reduce depression. They may also decrease risk-taking behaviours, such as drinking, gambling and drug use.
These medications can cause serious side effects if taken incorrectly or in excess. You should only take these medications as directed by your doctor.
People who use stimulants can develop a dependency on them, and an addiction called stimulant use disorders. It is important to identify the signs of this disorder and seek treatment. The signs of addiction include a desire for the drug, difficulty stopping and a negative impact on your everyday functioning.
In addition to being addictive, stimulants can also be harmful for those 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 cause seizures and other mental health issues.
Many people with ADHD notice a positive change in their symptoms within weeks of starting stimulant medication. However, it takes longer for some people to notice an improvement. These improvements are typically noticeable to family friends, teachers, and work colleagues.
The onset of addiction to stimulants can occur when people take the drugs in higher doses than prescribed or for longer periods than intended by their healthcare providers. It may also occur when stimulants are mixed with other substances like opioids. This can result in a dangerous combination which increases the risk of overdose and death.
They can be addictive, but less likely to trigger addiction than illicit substances like methamphetamines and cocaine. However any drug misused improperly can lead to dependence and addiction.
The use of stimulants can be abused easily and is sometimes mixed with alcohol or another substance to boost its effects. The most popular stimulants abused by adolescents to boost their performance at school, sports or work are nicotine, caffeine amphetamines, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
Amphetamines can be found in prescription and over-the counter medicines such as Adderall. Amphetamines are also available as a street drug, which is also known as "study drug". They can be smoked, snorted, or dissolving in a solution of water and injected directly into the vein or muscle. They are available in the form of or capsules, tablets crystals that are clear or brownish and a powder that can be sprinkled on food.