Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse), help people control their thoughts and concentrate. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication that increases the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine can also be used.
The majority of people with ADHD will be treated with the combination of medication and life skills training. The proper dosage and timing of the medication are essential to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems including the nervous system. They are prescribed medications that treat narcolepsy, obesity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also abused illegally for recreational purposes to boost energy and concentration. 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 abuse risk.
Amphetamines, along with methylphenidate, are two of the most common stimulant medications. Amphetamines increase alertness, cognition and productivity through the increase of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They can help people with ADHD feel less tired and increase their concentration. They can also help some people with ADHD sleep better and decrease depression. They can also help reduce risky behaviors, such as gambling, drinking and drug abuse.
These medications could cause serious side effects if they are taken improperly or in excess. It is important to only use these medications as directed by your doctor.
People who abuse stimulants could develop a dependence on them and develop an addiction known as stimulant use disorders. It is essential to identify symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The symptoms include a craving for the medication, difficulty stopping the use, and a negative impact on your everyday functioning and relationships.
In addition to being addicting, stimulants are dangerous for people with certain health issues. These drugs can increase your heart rate and blood pressure which could lead to stroke or heart attack. They may also cause seizures, as well as other mental problems.
Many people with ADHD notice a change in their symptoms within weeks after starting stimulant medication. Some people take longer to notice changes. The majority of people notice improvements in their families, friends as well as their colleagues and teachers.
The onset of addiction to stimulants can occur when people consume these drugs in greater doses than prescribed or for longer than intended by their healthcare providers. It also happens when stimulants are combined with other substances like opioids. This can lead to an extremely dangerous combination which increases the risk of an overdose and even death.
Prescription stimulants are habit-forming but less likely to trigger addiction than illicit drugs such as methamphetamines or cocaine. Any drug that is misused can cause addiction and dependence.
The effects of stimulants can be abused easily and are sometimes mixed with alcohol or other substances to boost the effects. Nicotine, caffeine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines are some of the most commonly used stimulants abused by adolescents to improve their performance at school and in sports or at work.
Amphetamines are commonly found in over-the-counter and prescription medications such as Adderall. adult add treatments are also sold as a street drug, that is often referred to as "study drug". They can be smoked, snorted, or dissolving in a solution of water and injected directly into the vein or muscle. adult add treatments are available in the form tablets, capsules and clear or brownish crystals, and a powder which can be sprinkled on food.