Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medicines such as methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines in the form of lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) assist people to focus and control their impulses. Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant medication that increases the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine is also a possibility.
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD are treated with a combination of medicine as well as talk therapy and life skills training. It is important to use the right dosage and time for the medication in order to maximize the effectiveness of the medication.
Stimulants
Stimulants boost the body's systems including the nervous system. They are prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy and obesity. They are also abused illegally for recreational purposes to boost energy and concentration. They can be taken by mouth, snorted, or injected. According to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a significant risk of abuse.
Amphetamines, along with methylphenidate, are among the most popular 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 those with ADHD feel less tired and improve their concentration. They also can help people who suffer from ADHD sleep better and reduce depression. They may also decrease risk-taking behaviours, such as drinking, gambling and drug abuse.
These medications can cause serious side effects if taken improperly or in excess. You should only use these medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
People who use stimulants may develop a dependence on them and develop an addiction called stimulant use disorder. It is essential to identify symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The signs of addiction are a desire for the substance, difficulties in stopping, and a negative effect on your everyday functioning.
The effects of stimulants aren't just addictive but can also be dangerous for those with certain health conditions. These substances can increase your heart rate and blood pressure which can cause stroke or heart attack. They may also cause seizures and other mental disorders.
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice an improvement in their symptoms just several weeks after beginning stimulant medication. However, it can take longer for some people to see improvements. These improvements are typically noticeable to family, friends, teachers and work colleagues.
adhd drugs to stimulants can occur when people take them in higher doses or for longer periods than prescribed by their healthcare providers. It may also happen when stimulants are used in conjunction with other substances, such as opioids. This can result in a risky combination of effects that increase the likelihood of an overdose and death.
Prescription stimulants are habit-forming but less likely to trigger addiction than illicit substances like methamphetamines and cocaine. However any drug misused improperly can lead to dependence and addiction.
The effects of stimulants are a lot of fun to abuse and are sometimes mixed with alcohol or other substances to enhance the effect. The most commonly used stimulants that are abused by young people to improve their performance at school, at work or in sports are nicotine, caffeine amphetamines, methamphetamines, and amphetamines.
Amphetamines can be found in prescription and over-the counter medicines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. They are also available as a street drug, generally referred to as "study drugs." Amphetamines can be swallowed, smoked or snorted, or mixed in water and injected into the vein or muscle. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules crystals that are clear or brownish and powders that can be sprinkled over food items.