Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) help people focus and control their impulses. Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant medication that increases the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine is also a possibility.
Most adults with ADHD are treated using the combination of medication along with talk therapy and skills training. It is important to use the correct dosage and timing for the medication in order to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the nervous system, in addition to other systems. They are prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy and obesity. Illegally, they are abused to increase energy and focus. They can be injected, snorted, or taken orally. Stimulants are classified as Schedule II substances under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they pose a high danger of abuse.
Amphetamines, in conjunction with the methylphenidate are two of the most commonly used stimulant drugs. Amphetamines increase alertness, awareness and productivity by increasing the levels of chemical in your brain that are called dopamine and norepinephrine. They can improve concentration and decrease feelings of fatigue in those with ADHD. They also can reduce depression in some people with ADHD and aid in sleeping better. They can also help reduce risk-taking behavior like drinking, gambling and a drug addiction.
These medications could cause serious side effects if used incorrectly or in excess. These medications should be taken as directed by your doctor.
People who abuse stimulants may develop a dependence and develop an addiction, called stimulant use disorder. It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. try this out include a desire for the medication, difficulties stopping the use, and negative impact on your daily functioning and relationships.
In addition to being addictive, stimulants can also be hazardous for those suffering from certain health problems. These drugs can raise your blood pressure and heart rate which can cause stroke or heart attack. They may also cause seizures and other mental issues.
Many people with ADHD notice a change in their symptoms within weeks after they begin taking stimulant medications. Some people are more reticent to notice the change. The majority of people notice improvements in their friends, family members, colleagues and teachers.
The addiction to stimulants can occur when people consume them in higher doses or for longer durations than recommended by their health care providers. It can also occur when stimulants are used in conjunction with other substances, for example opioids. This could result in a dangerous combination of effects that increase the chance of an overdose and death.
Prescription stimulants are habit-forming but less likely to lead to addiction than illicit drugs such as methamphetamines or cocaine. However any drug misused incorrectly can result in dependence and addiction.
Stimulant medications can be abused easily and are often mixed with alcohol or other substances to boost the effect. The most popular stimulants abused by adolescents to boost their performance in school, at work or in sports are caffeine, nicotine amphetamines, methamphetamines, and amphetamines.
Amphetamines are found in prescription and over-the counter medicines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. They are also available as a street narcotic, often referred to as "study drugs." Amphetamines can be consumed in the form of a smoke, swallowed, snorted, or dissolved in water and injected into the vein or muscle. They are available in the form or tablets, capsules, brownish or clear crystals, and a powder which can be sprinkled over food.