Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
The stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse) aid in controlling their thoughts and focus. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that increases the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine is also a possibility.
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD are treated using an array of medications along with talk therapy and skills training. The right dose and timing of the medication is important for maximizing its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems including the nervous system. They are prescribed drugs to treat narcolepsy, obesity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They can also be used as recreational drugs to boost energy and focus. They can be injected, snorted, or taken orally. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a high risk of abuse.
Amphetamines, along with methylphenidate, are two of the most commonly used stimulant drugs. Amphetamines increase alertness, cognition and productivity through the increase of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They can help improve concentration and decrease feelings of fatigue in people who suffer from ADHD. They also can help people who suffer from ADHD sleep better and decrease depression. They can also reduce risk-taking behaviours, such as drinking, gambling, and drug abuse.
These medications may cause serious side effects if they are not taken properly or if you take too many. You should only take these medications as directed by your doctor.
People who abuse stimulants could develop a dependence on them, and an addiction called stimulant use disorders. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The signs of addiction include an urge to use the substance, difficulties in stopping, and a negative effect on your everyday functioning.
In addition to being addicting, stimulants are harmful for those with certain health problems. These drugs can increase blood pressure and heart rate which can lead to a stroke or heart attack. They can also cause seizures, as well as other mental health issues.
Many people suffering from ADHD notice a change in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting stimulant medication. Some people are more reticent to notice a change. These improvements are usually visible 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 prescribed by their healthcare providers. It also happens when stimulants are combined with other substances, such as opioids. This can result in a risky combination of effects that increases the risk of overdose and death.
These stimulants can cause dependence, but they are less likely to cause addiction than illicit drugs such as methamphetamines or copyright. However, any drug that is misused improperly can lead to dependence and addiction.
The effects of stimulants can be abused easily and are sometimes mixed with alcohol or other substances to boost the effect. Nicotine amphetamines, caffeine and methamphetamines are the most common stimulants abused by teenagers to improve their performance at school and in sports or at work.
Amphetamines are found in prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as Adderall. They are also available as a street narcotic, generally referred to as "study drugs." Amphetamines can be consumed in the form of a smoke, swallowed or snorted or dissolved in water and injected into the vein or muscle. They are available in the form tablets, capsules and clear or here brownish crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled on food.