Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines in the form of lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) aid people in focusing and manage their impulses. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that increases the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, can also be used.
The majority of adults with ADHD will be treated with an interdisciplinary approach of medication and life skills training. It is crucial to choose the right dosage and timing for the medication to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems, including the nervous system. They are prescribed medications that treat obesity, narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also abused illegally as recreational drugs to increase 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 significant risk of abuse.
Amphetamines and methylphenidate are two of the main classes of stimulant medications. Amphetamines boost alertness, cognition and productivity by increasing the levels of chemical in your brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. They can boost concentration and reduce feelings of fatigue in people who suffer from ADHD. They can also help some people with ADHD to sleep better and reduce depression. They can also help reduce risk-taking behaviours, such as drinking, gambling, and drug abuse.
These medications may cause serious adverse effects if not taken properly or if you take too many. You should only use these medications as directed by your doctor.
People who use stimulants may develop a dependence and develop an addiction, called stimulant use disorder. It is important to recognize the signs of this disorder and seek treatment. The symptoms include a craving for the medication, difficulties stopping the use, and negative impact on your everyday functioning and relationships.
In addition to being addicting, stimulants are dangerous for people with particular health issues. These drugs can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. They can also trigger seizures and other mental health issues.
Many people with ADHD notice a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting stimulant medication. Some people are more reticent to notice changes. These improvements are typically noticeable to family friends, teachers, and work colleagues.
The onset of addiction to stimulants can occur when people take these drugs in greater doses than prescribed or for longer than prescribed by their health care providers. It can also happen when stimulants are combined with other substances, such as opioids. This can result in a risky combination of effects that increases the chance of an overdose and even death.
These stimulants can cause dependence, but they are less likely to trigger addiction than illicit drugs such as methamphetamines or cocaine. However, any drug that is misused improperly can lead to dependence and addiction.
Stimulant medication can be abused easily and is often mixed with alcohol or another substance to increase its effects. Nicotine amphetamines, caffeine and methamphetamines are some of the most frequently used stimulants by teenagers to improve their performance at school, in sports, or at work.
source web page can be found in prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as Adderall. They are also available as a street drug, commonly known as "study drugs." Amphetamines can be swallowed, smoked or snorted, or mixed in water and injected into the muscle or vein. treatments for adhd in adults are available in tablets, capsules, clear or brownish crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled on food items.