Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines in the form of Lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) help people focus and manage their impulses. Atomoxetine is a nonstimulant that boosts brain neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine.
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD will be treated with an interdisciplinary approach of medications and life-skills training. The proper dosage and timing of the medication is essential to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants increase the speed of the body's systems, including the nervous system. They are prescribed drugs that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy and obesity. Illegally, they are abused to boost energy and focus. They can be injected, snorted, or taken orally. According to the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a significant abuse risk.
Amphetamines, along with methylphenidate, are two of the most common stimulant medications. Amphetamines increase alertness, awareness and productivity by increasing the levels of chemical in your brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. They can help improve concentration and decrease feelings of fatigue in people who suffer from ADHD. They can also reduce depression in people who have ADHD and aid in sleeping better. They may also reduce risky behaviors, such as gambling, drinking and a drug addiction.
These medications can have serious side effects if they are not properly taken or if you take too many. treating adhd in adults is important to only take these medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
People who use stimulants may develop a dependence and develop an addiction, called stimulant use disorder. It is important to recognize symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The symptoms include a craving for the medication, difficulty stopping the use, and a negative impact on your everyday functioning and relationships.
In addition to being addicting, stimulants are harmful for those with certain health issues. treating adhd in adults can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to stroke or heart attack. They can also lead to seizures, as well as other mental problems.
Many people suffering from ADHD see a positive improvement in their symptoms just several weeks after beginning stimulant medication. Some people have a longer time to notice the change. Most people notice the improvements in their friends, family members or colleagues, as well as teachers.
Addiction to stimulants may occur when people take them at higher doses or for longer durations than recommended by their healthcare providers. It also happens when stimulants are mixed with other substances like opioids. This can result in a risky combination of effects that increases the chance of an overdose and death.
They can be addictive, but less likely to cause addiction than illicit drugs such as methamphetamines or cocaine. Any drug that is misused can lead to dependence and addiction.
Stimulant medications can be misused easily and is often mixed with alcohol or a different substance to increase its effects. Nicotine amphetamines, caffeine and methamphetamines are among the most common stimulants abused by teens to enhance their performance at school, in sports, or at work.
Amphetamines are found in prescription and over-the counter medicines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. treating adult adhd are also sold as a street substance, that is often referred to as "study drug". They can be smoked, snorted or dissolved in a solution of water and injecting directly into the muscle or vein. They come in the form of tablets, capsules, clear or brownish crystals and powders that can be sprinkled on food.