Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medicines like methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines that are in the form of Lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) aid people in focusing and control their impulses. Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant medication that increases the 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. treat adult add and timing of the medication is crucial to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the body's systems including the nervous system. They are prescribed drugs to treat narcolepsy, obesity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). They are also abused illegally for recreational purposes to boost energy and focus. They can be taken orally, snorted, or injectable. According to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a high abuse risk.
Amphetamines, in conjunction with methylphenidate, are among the most commonly used stimulant drugs. Amphetamines boost alertness, cognition and productivity by increasing the levels of chemicals in your brain that are called dopamine and norepinephrine. They can help people with ADHD feel less tired and increase their concentration. They can also reduce depression in some people with ADHD and aid in sleeping better. They can also reduce risk-taking behaviours, such as gambling, drinking and drug abuse.
These medications could cause serious adverse effects if not properly taken or if you consume too many. These medications should be taken according to the instructions of your physician.
People who misuse stimulants may develop a dependency on them, and an addiction called stimulant use disorders. It is essential to identify signs of this problem and seek treatment. The signs of addiction include a desire for the drug, difficulty stopping and a negative impact on your daily life.
In addition to being addictive, stimulants can also be harmful for those with particular health issues. These medications can raise the blood pressure and heart rate which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. They may also cause 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 an improvement. These improvements are often most evident to family members, friends, teachers and colleagues at work.
Addiction to stimulants can develop when people take them at higher doses or for longer durations than prescribed by their health care providers. It may also happen when stimulants are combined with other substances, like opioids. This can lead to a dangerous combination which increases the risk of an overdose and death.
The use of prescription stimulants can lead to addiction however they are less likely to trigger dependence than illicit drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine. However any substance misused incorrectly can result in dependence and addiction.
Stimulant medication can be abused easily and is sometimes mixed with alcohol or a different substance to increase its effects. The most commonly used stimulants abused by young people to improve their performance in school, sports or work are nicotine, caffeine amphetamines, methamphetamines, and amphetamines.
Amphetamines are available in prescription and over-the counter medications, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. They are also available as a street drug often referred to as "study drugs." Amphetamines can be consumed in the form of a smoke, swallowed, snorted, or dissolved in water and injections into the muscle or vein. They come in the form of tablets, capsules crystals that are clear or brownish and powders that can be sprinkled on food.