Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication

The stimulant drugs such as 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 adults suffering from ADHD will be treated with the combination of medications and life-skills training. The right dose 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 prescription medications that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as narcolepsy and obesity. They are also abused illegally as recreational drugs to boost energy and concentration. 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 as well as methylphenidate are two of the main categories of stimulant drugs. Amphetamines improve alertness, awareness and productivity by increasing the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in your brain. They can help improve concentration and decrease feelings of fatigue in people who suffer from ADHD. They also can reduce depression in some people with ADHD and aid in sleeping better. They can also help reduce risk-taking behaviors, like drinking, gambling and drug use.

add and treatment could cause serious adverse effects if not taken properly or if you take too many. These medications should be taken as directed by your physician.

People who abuse stimulants may develop a dependence on them and develop an addiction called stimulant use disorder. It is crucial to identify the signs of this disorder and seek treatment. The symptoms include a craving for the medication, difficulties stopping the use, and a negative impact on your daily life and relationships.

Stimulants are not only addictive, but could be harmful to people with certain health issues. These substances can increase your heart rate and blood pressure which could lead to stroke or heart attack. They can also cause seizures and other mental health issues.

Many people who suffer from ADHD notice a change in their symptoms within weeks of starting stimulant medication. Some people take longer to notice a change. Most people notice the changes in their families, friends, colleagues and teachers.


The onset of addiction to stimulants can occur when people consume them in larger doses than prescribed or for longer periods than prescribed by their health care providers. It can also happen when stimulants are combined with other substances like opioids. This could result in a dangerous combination of effects that increases the chance of an overdose and death.

These stimulants can cause dependence, but they are less likely to cause addiction than illicit substances such as cocaine and methamphetamines. However any drug used incorrectly can lead to dependence and addiction.

The use of stimulants can be abused easily and is sometimes mixed with alcohol or another substance to enhance its effect. Nicotine amphetamines, caffeine and methamphetamines are some of the most commonly used stimulants abused by teens to enhance their performance at school, in sports, or at work.

Amphetamines are found in prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. 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 injecting into the vein or muscle. They are available in the form of or capsules, tablets crystals that are clear or brownish and a powder that can be sprinkled over food.