Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
The stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse), help people control their thoughts and focus. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication that boosts brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine is also a possibility.
The majority of adults with ADHD will be treated with the combination of medication and life skills training. The correct dosage and timing of the medication are essential to maximize its effectiveness.
Stimulants
Stimulants stimulate the nervous system, as well as other systems. They are prescribed drugs to treat obesity, narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). They are also illegally abused as recreational drugs to boost energy and focus. They can be taken in a mouthful, snorted or inhaled. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which implies they pose a substantial abuse risk.
Amphetamines, along with methylphenidate, are among the most popular stimulant medications. Amphetamines increase alertness, cognition and productivity through the increase of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They can improve concentration and reduce feelings of fatigue in people who suffer from ADHD. They can also help some people who suffer from ADHD sleep better and reduce depression. They may also reduce risk-taking behavior, such as drinking, gambling and drug abuse.
These medications could cause serious side effects if they are not properly taken or if you take too many. You should only use these medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
People who abuse stimulants could develop a dependency on them, and an addiction called stimulant use disorders. www.iampsychiatry.uk is crucial to recognize the signs of this condition and seek treatment. The signs include a need for the medication, difficulties stopping the use, and a negative impact on your everyday functioning and relationships.
Stimulants are not only addictive, but can be harmful for those suffering from certain health conditions. These drugs can increase blood pressure and heart rate, which can cause a stroke or heart attack. They can also trigger seizures, among other mental health issues.
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a positive change in their symptoms within weeks after starting stimulant medication. Some people take longer to notice the change. The majority of people notice improvements in their friends, family members or colleagues, as well as teachers.
The onset of addiction to stimulants can occur when people take these drugs in greater doses than prescribed or for a longer period than the recommended time by their healthcare professionals. It can also happen when stimulants are mixed with other substances, such as opioids. This can lead to an extremely dangerous combination which increases the risk of an overdose and even death.
They can be addictive, but less likely to trigger addiction than illicit substances like methamphetamines and cocaine. However any drug misused improperly can lead to dependence and addiction.
Stimulant medications can be misused easily and can be mixed with alcohol or other substance to enhance its effect. The most popular stimulants used by young people to improve their performance in the workplace, in sports or at school are caffeine, nicotine amphetamines, methamphetamines, and amphetamines.
Amphetamines are available in prescription and over-the counter medications, including Adderall and Dexedrine. They are also available as a street drug often referred to as "study drugs." Amphetamines can be smoked, swallowed, snorted, or dissolved in water and injections into the muscle or vein. They are available in tablets, capsules crystals that are clear or brownish and a powder that can be sprinkled on food items.