Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication

Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta) and amphetamines such as lisdexamfetamine (Adderall and Vyvanse) help people focus and control their impulses. Atomoxetine is a nonstimulant that increases brain neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.

The majority of adults suffering from ADHD are treated using an array of medications as well as talk therapy and life skills training. The correct dosage and timing of the medication is crucial to maximize its effectiveness.

Stimulants

Stimulants increase the speed of the body's systems including the nervous system. They are prescribed drugs to treat narcolepsy, obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Illegally, they're used to boost focus and energy. They can be injected, snorted or taken orally. Under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), stimulants are classified as Schedule II drugs, which implies they pose a substantial risk of abuse.

Amphetamines and methylphenidate comprise two of the principal categories of stimulant drugs. Amphetamines increase alertness, cognition and productivity by boosting the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain. They can 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 decrease risk-taking behaviors, like drinking, gambling, and drug abuse.

These medications can have serious adverse effects if not taken properly or if you consume too much. These medications should be taken according to the instructions of your doctor.

People who misuse stimulants may develop a dependence on them and an addiction referred to as stimulant use disorders. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment. The signs of addiction are a desire for the drug, difficulty stopping, and a negative effect on your daily life.


In addition to being addictive, stimulants can also be hazardous for those suffering from certain health problems. These medications can raise blood pressure and heart rate which could lead to a stroke or heart attack. They can also trigger seizures, as well as other mental health issues.

Many people suffering from ADHD notice a change in their symptoms within a few weeks after starting stimulant medication. Some people take longer to notice the change. These improvements are usually visible to family or friends, teachers, and colleagues at work.

The addiction to stimulants can occur when people take them at higher doses or for longer periods than recommended by their medical professionals. It also happens when stimulants are combined with other substances like opioids. This could result in a dangerous combination of effects that increases the likelihood of an overdose or death.

The use of prescription stimulants can lead to addiction, but they are less likely to trigger dependence than illicit drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamines. However treatment adult adhd I Am Psychiatry Links to an external site. misused improperly can lead to dependence and addiction.

The effects of stimulants can be abused easily and are sometimes mixed with alcohol or other substances to enhance the effect. The most popular stimulants that are abused by adolescents to boost their performance in the workplace, in sports or at school are nicotine, caffeine, amphetamines and methamphetamines.

Amphetamines are commonly found in over-the-counter and prescription medications like Adderall. Amphetamines can also be purchased as a street drug, that is often referred to as "study drug". They can be smoked, snorted or mixed with water and put directly into the vein or muscle. They are available in the form or capsules, tablets and clear or brownish crystals and a powder that can be sprinkled on food items.