Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritualin) and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse) can help people manage their impulses and concentrate. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that increases brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, can also be used.
The majority of people with ADHD are treated with an interdisciplinary approach of medications and life-skills training. It is essential to select the right dosage and time for the medication in order to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the speed of the body's systems, including the nervous system. They are prescribed medications that treat narcolepsy, obesity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also abused illegally as recreational drugs to boost energy and concentration. add treatments for adults can be consumed by mouth, snorted, or injected. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a significant risk of abuse.
Amphetamines, as well as methylphenidate, are among the most common stimulant medications. Amphetamines boost alertness, focus and productivity by boosting the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. They can boost concentration and decrease feelings of fatigue among people with ADHD. They can also help some people with ADHD sleep better and reduce depression. They may also reduce risk-taking behaviors like gambling, drinking and a drug addiction.
These medications could cause serious side effects if they are not taken correctly or if you take too much. You should only take these medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
People who misuse stimulants may develop a dependence on them and develop an addiction known as stimulant use disorders. It is crucial to recognize the signs of this condition and seek treatment. The signs of addiction are a desire to take the drug, difficulty in stopping, and a negative effect on your daily functioning.
In addition to being addicting, stimulants are hazardous for those suffering from certain health problems. These substances can increase your blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. They can also trigger seizures, as well as other mental health issues.
Many people with ADHD notice a positive change in their symptoms within weeks after they begin taking stimulant medications. Some people are more reticent to notice changes. These improvements are often most noticeable to family, friends, teachers and work colleagues.
Addiction to stimulants can occur when people consume these drugs in greater doses than prescribed or for longer periods than the recommended time by their healthcare professionals. It may also happen when stimulants are taken together with other substances, for example opioids. This can result in a risky combination of effects that can increase the chance of an overdose and even death.
These stimulants can cause dependence, but they are less likely to trigger addiction than illicit drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine. Any drug that is used improperly could lead to dependence and addiction.
The use of stimulants can be abused easily and can be mixed with alcohol or a different substance to enhance its effect. Nicotine amphetamines, caffeine, and methamphetamines are among the most frequently used stimulants by adolescents to improve their performance at school in sports, at school, or at work.
Amphetamines are found in over-the-counter and prescription medications 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 injected into the vein or muscle. They come in tablets, capsules crystals that are clear or brownish and a powder that can be sprinkled on food.