Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medicines like methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines such as Lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) help people focus and control their impulses. Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant medication that boosts brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine can also be used.
The majority of adults with ADHD are treated with an interdisciplinary approach of medications and life-skills training. The proper dosage and timing of the medication are crucial to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the nervous system, as well as 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 boost 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 are at chance of misuse.
Amphetamines, in conjunction with methylphenidate, are two of the most popular stimulant medications. Amphetamines improve alertness, awareness and productivity by boosting the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. They can help improve concentration and decrease feelings of fatigue in people who have ADHD. They can also reduce depression in people who have ADHD and aid in sleeping better. They can also help reduce risk-taking behaviors, like drinking, gambling and drug abuse.
These medications could cause serious side effects if they are not properly taken or if you consume too much. These medications should only be taken as directed by your physician.
People who abuse stimulants may develop a dependence on them and develop an addiction, known as stimulant use disorder. It is important to recognize signs of this problem and seek treatment. The symptoms of addiction include a desire for the substance, difficulties in stopping, and a negative effect on your everyday functioning.
In addition to being addictive, stimulants can also be hazardous for those suffering from certain health issues. These drugs can increase your blood pressure and heart rate which can cause stroke or heart attack. They can also lead to seizures, as well as other mental problems.
Many people suffering from ADHD notice an improvement in their symptoms just two weeks after they begin stimulant medication. However, it can take longer for some people to see an improvement. These improvements are typically noticeable to family friends, teachers, and colleagues at work.
Addiction to stimulants may occur when people take them in higher doses or for longer durations than recommended by their medical professionals. It may also happen when stimulants are combined with other substances, for example opioids. This can lead to an extremely dangerous combination which 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 copyright. However any substance used incorrectly can lead to dependence and addiction.
The use of stimulants can be abused easily and can be mixed with alcohol or another substance to increase its effects. more info Nicotine, caffeine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines are the most common stimulants abused by adolescents to improve their performance at school in sports, at school, or at work.
Amphetamines are found in over-the-counter and prescription medicines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines can also be purchased as a street drug which is commonly known as "study drug". They can be smoked, snorted or mixed with water and put directly into the vein or muscle. They come in the form of tablets, capsules, clear or brownish crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled over food.