Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines that are in the form of Lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) help people focus and control their impulses. Atomoxetine, a nonstimulant medication that increases brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine is also a possibility.
The majority of adults suffering from ADHD are treated using the combination of medication as well as talk therapy and life skills training. The correct dosage and timing of the medication is important for maximizing its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the nervous system, as well as other systems. They are prescribed medications that treat narcolepsy, obesity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They can also be used as recreational drugs to boost energy and focus. They can be consumed by mouth, snorted, or injectable. They are classified as Schedule II substances under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they pose a high chance of misuse.
Amphetamines, as well as methylphenidate, are among the most common stimulant medications. Amphetamines boost alertness, focus and productivity by increasing the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. They can boost concentration and reduce feelings of fatigue among people who suffer from ADHD. They also can help people with ADHD sleep better and decrease depression. They may also reduce risk-taking behavior like gambling, drinking and drug use.
These medications may cause serious adverse effects if not taken correctly or if you consume too much. It is important to only use these medications as directed by your doctor.
People who misuse stimulants may develop a dependence on them, and an addiction called stimulant use disorders. It is important to recognize symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The symptoms of addiction include a desire for the substance, difficulties in stopping, and a negative effect on your daily functioning.
The effects of stimulants aren't just addictive, but they could be harmful to those with certain health conditions. These substances can increase your heart rate and blood-pressure, which can cause heart attacks or strokes. They can also cause seizures, among other mental health issues.
Many people with ADHD notice a significant improvement in their symptoms just a few weeks after starting stimulant medication. However, it takes longer for some people to see an improvement. The majority of people notice improvements in their families, friends or colleagues, as well as teachers.
Addiction to stimulants can be caused by taking them in larger doses than prescribed or for a longer period than intended by their healthcare providers. It also happens when stimulants are mixed with other substances such as opioids. I Am Psychiatry can lead to an unwise combination that increases the risk of an overdose and even death.
Prescription stimulants can cause dependence however they are less likely to trigger dependence than illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines. However any substance misused improperly can lead to dependence and addiction.
The use of stimulants can be abused easily and can be mixed with alcohol or another substance to increase its effects. The most common stimulants used by adolescents to boost their performance at the workplace, in sports or at school are nicotine, caffeine amphetamines, methamphetamines and amphetamines.
Amphetamines are commonly found in over-the-counter and prescription medications like Adderall. They are also available as a street narcotic, often referred to as "study drugs." Amphetamines can be consumed in the form of a smoke, swallowed or snorted or dissolved in water and injections into the muscle or vein. They are available in the form of tablets, capsules and brownish or clear crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled on food items.