20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Treating ADD In Adults
Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication
Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate, (Ritalin Concerta, Ritualin) and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse), help people control their thoughts and focus. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug that increases brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
The majority of people with ADHD are treated using the combination of medication as well as talk therapy and life skills training. The proper dosage 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 medications that treat narcolepsy, obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are also illegally abused as recreational drugs to boost energy and concentration. They can be consumed in a mouthful, snorted or inhaled. In the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which means they pose a significant risk of abuse.
Amphetamines and methylphenidate comprise two of the main categories of stimulant drugs. Amphetamines increase alertness, cognition and productivity through the increase of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They can help improve concentration and reduce feelings of fatigue among people who suffer from ADHD. They can also help reduce depression in people who have ADHD and help them sleep better. They may also reduce risky behaviors like drinking, gambling and drug use.
These medications can cause serious side effects if used improperly or in excess. You should only take these medications as directed by your doctor.
People who use stimulants may develop a dependence and develop an addiction, called stimulant use disorder. It is important to be aware of the signs of this disorder and seek treatment. The signs of addiction are an urge to use the drug, difficulty in stopping, and a negative effect on your daily functioning.
In addition to being addicting, stimulants are harmful for those with certain health problems. These substances can increase your heart rate and blood pressure which can cause a heart attack or stroke. I Am Psychiatry can also trigger seizures, among other mental health issues.
Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a change in their symptoms within a few weeks after starting stimulant medication. However, it takes longer for some people to see an improvement. These improvements are often most visible to family, friends, teachers and work colleagues.
Addiction to stimulants can occur when people consume them in larger doses than prescribed or for a longer period than the recommended time by their healthcare professionals. It may also happen when stimulants are combined with other substances, for example opioids. This can cause a dangerous combination of effects that increase the risk of overdose and even death.
These stimulants can cause dependence, but they are less likely to cause addiction than illicit drugs like methamphetamines and cocaine. Any drug that is used improperly can cause addiction and dependence.
Stimulant medications can be misused easily and can be mixed with alcohol or other substance to enhance its effect. The most popular stimulants abused by youngsters to enhance their performance in school, sports or work are caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines and methamphetamines.
Amphetamines are found in over-the-counter and prescription medicines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. 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 mixed in water and injections into the vein or muscle. They come in the form of capsules, tablets, clear or brownish crystals and powders that can be sprinkled over food items.