Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines that are in the form of Lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) assist people to focus and manage their impulses. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that increases brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
The majority of people with ADHD are treated with an array of medications as well as talk therapy and life skills training. It is essential to select the right dosage and time for the medication to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the nervous system, as well as other systems. They are prescribed drugs that treat obesity, narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Illegally, they're used to increase energy and focus. They can be consumed in a mouthful, snorted or inhaled. In the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which implies they pose a substantial risk of abuse.
Amphetamines and methylphenidate comprise two of the major groups of stimulant medications. Amphetamines increase alertness, awareness and productivity by increasing the levels of chemical in your brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They can help people suffering from ADHD feel less tired and increase their concentration. iampsychiatry can also reduce depression in those with ADHD and help them sleep better. They can also help reduce risky behaviors, such as drinking, gambling and a drug addiction.
These medications could cause serious side effects if taken improperly or excessively. You should only use these medications as directed by your physician.
People who abuse stimulants may develop a dependence on them and develop an addiction, called stimulant use disorder. It is important to identify the signs of this disorder and seek treatment. The signs of addiction are a desire for the substance, difficulties in stopping and a negative impact on your daily life.
In addition to being addictive, stimulants can be dangerous for people with certain health problems. These medications can raise your heart rate and blood-pressure, which can cause a stroke or heart attack. They can also trigger seizures, as well as other mental health issues.
Many people suffering from ADHD see a positive improvement in their symptoms just several weeks after beginning stimulant medication. Some people take longer to notice the change. These improvements are often most evident to family members or friends, teachers, and work colleagues.
Addiction to stimulants may occur when people take them in higher doses or for longer durations than recommended by their health care providers. It may also happen when stimulants are combined with other substances, such as 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 cause addiction than illicit substances such as methamphetamines or cocaine. However, any drug that is misused improperly can lead to dependence and addiction.
Stimulant medications can be abused easily and are often mixed with alcohol or other substances to increase the effects. Nicotine amphetamines, caffeine, and methamphetamines are among the most commonly used stimulants abused by teens to enhance their performance at school and in sports or at work.
Amphetamines are available in prescription and over-the counter medications, including Adderall and Dexedrine. They are also available as a street drug generally 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 muscle or vein. They are available in the form of or capsules, tablets and clear or brownish crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled over food.