Treating ADHD With Stimulant Medication

Drugs that stimulate the brain, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin Concerta, Ritualin), and amphetamines (lisdexamfetamine, Adderall and Vyvanse), help people control their impulses and focus. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant that increases brain neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine.

The majority of adults with ADHD will be treated using a combination therapy, medication and life skills. The proper dosage and timing of the medication are essential to maximize its effectiveness.

Stimulants

Stimulants boost the body's systems including the nervous system. They are prescription drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd intrusive thoughts treatment), narcolepsy, and obesity. They can also be used for recreational purposes to boost energy and concentration. They can be taken in a mouthful, snorted or injectable. They are classified as Schedule II substances under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning they have a high risk for abuse.

Amphetamines and methylphenidate are two of the principal groups of stimulant medications. Amphetamines increase alertness, cognition and productivity by boosting the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. They can help people suffering from ADHD feel less tired and boost their concentration. They can also reduce depression in people who have ADHD and help them sleep better. They can also help reduce risk-taking behaviours, such as gambling, drinking and drug abuse.

These medications can cause serious side effects if used improperly or excessively. You should only use these medications as directed by your doctor.

People who use stimulants may develop a dependence and develop an addiction known as stimulant use disorder. It is essential to identify symptoms of this disorder and seek treatment for adhd in adults uk. The signs of addiction are a desire to take the drug, difficulty in stopping and a negative impact on your everyday functioning.

In addition to being addictive, stimulants can also be dangerous for people with particular health issues. These substances can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. They can also trigger seizures and other mental health issues.

Many people with ADHD notice a significant improvement in their symptoms just several weeks after beginning stimulant medication. Some people are more reticent to notice a change. These improvements are often most noticeable to family, friends, teachers and work colleagues.

Addiction to stimulants may occur when people take them in higher doses or for longer durations than recommended by their health care providers. It can also occur when stimulants are combined with other substances, like opioids. This can result in a risky combination of effects that increase the chance of an overdose and even death.

Prescription stimulants are habit-forming but less likely to trigger addiction than illicit drugs such as methamphetamines or cocaine. However, any drug that is misused incorrectly can result in dependence and addiction.

Stimulant medications can be misused easily and is often mixed with alcohol or another substance to increase its effects. The most popular stimulants used by youngsters to enhance their performance in school, at work or in sports are caffeine, nicotine amphetamines, methamphetamines, and amphetamines.

Amphetamines can be found in prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine. They are also available as a street narcotic, commonly known as "study drugs." Amphetamines can be smoked, swallowed or snorted, or mixed in water and injecting into the muscle or vein. They are available in the form tablets, capsules crystals that are clear or brownish, and a powder which can be sprinkled on food.