Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritalin), and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse), help people control their impulses and focus. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that increases the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine can also be used.
The majority of adults with ADHD are treated with an interdisciplinary approach of medications and life-skills training. The correct 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 prescription medications that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity. They are also abused illegally as recreational drugs to boost energy and concentration. They can be consumed by mouth, snorted, or injectable. The stimulants are classified as Schedule II substances under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they are at risk for misuse.
Amphetamines and methylphenidate comprise two of the main classes of stimulant medications. Amphetamines boost alertness, focus and productivity through the increase of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They can help people suffering from ADHD feel less tired and boost their concentration. They can also help 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 taken incorrectly or in excess. You should only take these medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
People who use stimulants can develop a dependence on them and an addiction referred to as stimulant use disorders. It is important to recognize the signs of this disorder and seek treatment. The signs of addiction include a desire for the drug, difficulty stopping, and a negative effect on your daily functioning.
Stimulants aren't only addictive, but could be harmful to those with certain health conditions. These drugs can raise your blood pressure and heart rate which can cause stroke or heart attack. They can also lead to seizures and other mental disorders.
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a noticeable improvement in their symptoms within weeks of starting stimulant medication. Some people are more reticent to notice the change. Click At this website of people notice improvements in their friends, family members or colleagues, as well as teachers.
The onset of addiction to stimulants can occur when people take these drugs in greater doses than prescribed or for a longer period than intended by their healthcare providers. It can also occur when stimulants are combined with other substances, like opioids. This can result in an extremely dangerous combination which increases the risk of overdose and death.
The use of prescription stimulants can lead to addiction, but they are less likely to cause addiction than illicit drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines. Any drug used incorrectly can lead to dependence and addiction.
Stimulant drugs are a lot of fun to abuse and are sometimes mixed with alcohol or other substances to boost the effects. The most commonly used stimulants that are abused by adolescents to boost their performance in school, at work or in sports are caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and methamphetamines.
Amphetamines are 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 dissolved in water and injections into the vein or muscle. They are available in the form of or tablets, capsules crystals that are clear or brownish, and a powder which can be sprinkled on food items.