Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) help people focus and manage their impulses. Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant medication that increases the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, can also be used.
Most adults with ADHD are treated using 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 speed up the body's systems, including the nervous system. They are prescribed drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. They are also abused illegally as recreational drugs to increase energy and focus. They can be consumed by mouth, snorted, or injected. According to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a high risk of abuse.
Amphetamines and methylphenidate are two of the main groups of stimulant medications. Amphetamines boost alertness, focus and productivity through the increase of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They can help improve concentration and reduce feelings of fatigue in those with ADHD. They also can reduce depression in those with ADHD and assist them in sleeping better. They may also decrease risk-taking behaviors, like gambling, drinking and drug abuse.
These medications can cause serious side effects if used improperly or excessively. It is important to only use these medications as directed by your doctor.
People who use stimulants may develop a dependence on them and develop an addiction, called stimulant use disorder. It is important to recognize the symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The symptoms of addiction include a desire for the drug, difficulty stopping and a negative impact on your daily functioning.
Stimulants are not only addictive but could be harmful to those with certain health conditions. These medications can raise the blood pressure and heart rate which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. They can also trigger seizures and other mental disorders.
Many people who suffer from ADHD see a positive improvement in their symptoms just several weeks after beginning stimulant medication. However, it can take longer for some people to see an improvement. treatment for adults with add are typically evident to family members or friends, teachers, and colleagues at work.
The addiction to stimulants can occur when people take them at higher doses or for longer periods than prescribed by their medical professionals. It may also occur when stimulants are combined with other substances, such as opioids. This can lead to a dangerous combination that increases the risk of overdose and even death.
Prescription stimulants can cause dependence however they are less likely to cause dependence than illicit drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine. However any drug misused incorrectly can result in dependence and addiction.
The use of stimulants can be abused easily and is often mixed with alcohol or another substance to increase its effects. The most common stimulants that are abused by youngsters to enhance their performance at school, at work or in sports are caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and methamphetamines.
Amphetamines are found in prescription and over-the-counter medications, including Adderall and Dexedrine. Amphetamines are also sold as a street drug, which is commonly known as "study drug". They can be smoked, snorted, or dissolving in a solution of water and injected directly into the muscle or vein. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules, brownish or clear crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled over food.