Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
The stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritualin) and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse), help people control their impulses and concentrate. Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant medication that boosts brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine can also be used.
Most adults with ADHD are treated with a combination of medicine as well as talk therapy and life skills training. The proper dosage and timing of the medication is crucial to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the nervous system as well as other systems. They are prescribed drugs to treat obesity, narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They can also be used as recreational drugs to increase energy and concentration. They can be consumed in a mouthful, 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 are two of the major groups of stimulant medications. Amphetamines boost alertness, cognition and productivity by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. They can help people with ADHD feel less tired and boost their concentration. They can also help reduce depression in those with ADHD and help them sleep better. They can also help reduce risk-taking behaviors, like gambling, drinking and drug abuse.
These medications may cause serious adverse effects if not taken correctly or if you take too many. These medications should be taken according to the instructions of your doctor.
People who use stimulants can develop a dependence on them and develop an addiction known as stimulant use disorders. It is important to recognize symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The signs of addiction include an urge to use the drug, difficulty stopping, and a negative effect on your daily life.
In addition to being addicting, stimulants are hazardous for those suffering from certain health problems. These substances can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. They may also cause seizures, as well as other mental problems.
Many people with ADHD notice a change in their symptoms within weeks of starting stimulant medication. Some people have a longer time to notice changes. Most people notice the improvements in their friends, family members or colleagues, as well as teachers.
The addiction to stimulants can occur when people take them at higher doses or for longer durations than recommended by their healthcare providers. It may also happen when stimulants are used in conjunction with other substances, such as opioids. adhd therapy techniques can result in a risky combination of effects that increases the risk of overdose or death.
These stimulants can cause dependence, but they are less likely to lead to 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 misused easily and is often mixed with alcohol or other 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.
Amphetamines can be found in prescription and over-the-counter medicines like Adderall. Amphetamines can also be purchased as a street drug, that is often referred to as "study drug". They can be smoked, snorted or mixed with water and injected directly into the vein or muscle. They are available in the form of capsules, tablets, clear or brownish crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled on food.