Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate, (Ritalin Concerta, Ritualin) and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse) can help people manage their thoughts and focus. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that boosts brain neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine.
The majority of people with ADHD will be treated with a combination therapy, medication and life skills. It is crucial to choose the right dosage and timing for the medication to maximize the effectiveness of the medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the nervous system among other systems. They are prescribed drugs that treat narcolepsy, obesity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also abused illegally as recreational drugs to boost energy and focus. They can be taken orally, snorted, or inhaled. According to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a significant abuse risk.
Amphetamines and methylphenidate are two of the major classes of stimulant medications. Amphetamines improve alertness, awareness and productivity by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They can boost concentration and decrease feelings of fatigue in people with ADHD. They can also help some people who suffer from ADHD sleep better and reduce depression. They can also reduce risk-taking behaviors like drinking, gambling, and drug abuse.
These medications could cause serious side effects if used improperly or excessively. You should only take these medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
People who abuse stimulants may develop a dependence on them and develop an addiction known as stimulant use disorder. It is essential to identify the symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The symptoms of addiction include an urge to use 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 particular health issues. These medications can raise 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 suffering from ADHD notice a positive change in their symptoms within weeks of starting stimulant medication. Some people take longer to notice changes. adhd in adults treatment are typically evident to family members, friends, teachers and colleagues at work.
Addiction to stimulants can develop when people take them at higher doses or for longer periods than prescribed by their medical professionals. It may also happen when stimulants are taken together with other substances, like opioids. This can result in an unwise combination that increases the risk of overdose and death.
Prescription stimulants can cause dependence however, they are less likely to trigger addiction than illicit drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine. However any drug misused incorrectly can result in dependence and addiction.
The effects of stimulants can be easily abused and are often mixed with alcohol or other substances to boost the effects. Nicotine amphetamines, caffeine and methamphetamines are the most commonly used stimulants abused by teens to enhance their performance at school in sports, at school, or at work.
Amphetamines can be found in prescription and over-the counter medications, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are also available as a street substance, which is also known as "study drug". They can be consumed in a variety of ways, including snorting, smoking or dissolved in a solution of water and put directly into the vein or muscle. They are available in the form tablets, capsules, brownish or clear crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled over food.