Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medicines such as methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) aid people in focusing and control their impulses. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that increases the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine.
Most adults with ADHD are treated with a combination of medicine, talk therapy and life skills training. The proper dosage and timing of the medication is important for maximizing its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the nervous system in addition to other systems. They are prescribed drugs to 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. In the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which implies they pose a substantial abuse risk.
Amphetamines, in conjunction with methylphenidate, are among the most commonly used stimulant drugs. Amphetamines increase alertness, cognition and productivity by boosting the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They can help those with ADHD feel less tired and increase their concentration. They can also reduce depression in people who have ADHD and help them sleep better. They may also decrease risk-taking behaviours, such as drinking, gambling and drug abuse.
These medications may cause serious adverse effects if not taken correctly or if you consume too many. You should only use these medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
People who misuse stimulants can develop a dependence and develop an addiction, known as stimulant use disorder. It is crucial to recognize symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The symptoms of addiction include a desire for the drug, difficulty stopping, and a negative effect on your daily functioning.
In addition to being addicting, stimulants are harmful for those with certain health problems. These medications can raise the blood pressure and heart rate which could lead to heart attacks or strokes. They can also lead to seizures, as well as other mental problems.
Many people with ADHD notice a positive change in their symptoms within weeks after they begin taking stimulant medications. However, it can take longer for some people to see improvements. These improvements are often most visible to family, friends, teachers and colleagues at work.
The onset of addiction to stimulants can occur when people take these drugs in greater doses than prescribed or for longer periods than intended by their healthcare providers. It may also occur when stimulants are combined with other substances like opioids. This can result in a risky combination of effects that increases the risk of overdose and even death.
They can be addictive, but less likely to trigger addiction than illicit substances like methamphetamines and cocaine. However, adhd treatment plans that is misused incorrectly can result in 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. The most common stimulants that are abused by young people to improve their performance in the workplace, in sports or at school are caffeine, nicotine amphetamines, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
Amphetamines can be found in prescription and over-the-counter medicines like Adderall. They are also available as a street drug commonly known as "study drugs." Amphetamines can be consumed in the form of a smoke, swallowed or snorted or dissolved in water and injected into the muscle or vein. They are available in the form or tablets, capsules and clear or brownish crystals, and a powder which can be sprinkled on food items.