ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help with symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity and can be experienced within 30 to 60 minutes. adhd medication are the first line medication for people with ADHD.
Stimulants work by changing the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline that are found in the tiny spaces between neurons, referred to as synapses. They also help connected neurons communicate better with one another.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine (also known as meth crystal, ice, crystal or speed) is an extremely potent stimulant drug that may cause dangerous adverse reactions. It increases activity, talkativeness and appetite. It also creates the sensation of happiness. It can also lead to changes in blood pressure and heart rate as well as body temperature. Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that occurs in some people who use meth. Methamphetamine can also cause serious brain damage and other serious health issues.
Meth is available both on prescription or without prescription. It's usually taken orally and comes in immediate-release, extended-release or controlled-release formulations. It's frequently misused and could cause a variety of adverse health effects, such as addiction, heart disease and overdose.
Meth is generally more hazardous and less effective than medications used to treat ADHD. The stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain brain hormones such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Brand-name medications include methylphenidate dexmethylphenidate atomoxetine. They are classified as a form of amphetamine. They come in immediate-release, extended-release or control-release forms.
Most of these medicines are, however, prescribed by doctors for short-term use. Doctors prescribe the smallest dose of medication in order to reduce the risk of side effects and abuse. They also monitor the person closely for signs of dependence and addiction.
It can be hard to break the habit of stimulant addiction. Even if a person uses meth occasionally, they may become dependent on it and experience symptoms such as irritability and anxiety.
Methamphetamine abuse can lead to obesity, malnutrition, and severe dental or health issues. Mental health issues, such as depression, can also be caused by methamphetamine abuse for long periods of time. People who use meth regularly tend to lose interest in previously enjoyable activities.
Methamphetamine falls under Schedule II. Avoid using this drug if pregnant or nursing. Mixing meth with alcohol crack, cocaine, opiates and other substances is dangerous.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first-line drug used to treat ADHD in children and adults. It is a central nervous stimulant. This means that it stimulates areas of the brain which are inactive for ADHD patients and helps them focus and concentrate. It also enhances their ability to organize, plan and manage their emotions. Methylphenidate also acts as an dopamine reuptake as well as a noradrenaline inhibitor. It blocks the chemicals noradrenaline and dopamine from being released back into nerve cells after they've been released allowing them to hang around longer and have a bigger impact on the brain.
In the doses that are prescribed for ADHD, methylphenidate doesn't cause an "high". It's also not addictive. It is still a controlled drug and there is a possibility of abuse or addiction. Your doctor will write your prescription with extra information that makes it difficult to copy or alter and you should follow the prescription as it is. Low doses of stimulants used to treat ADHD are not habit-forming, but certain individuals develop a tolerance and will need to increase dosage in time.
This can lead to side effects such as headaches, dizziness, stomach upset and blurred vision. It's crucial to let your doctor know if your child suffers from these issues. The long-term use of methylphenidate may lead to irregular heartbeats and an increase in blood pressure. These problems are more likely to occur if the drug is taken along with opiates or nitrates, which is why doctors don't prescribe it to those suffering from these conditions.
If you have an ancestral history of Tourette's syndrome or motor or facial tics (repeated uncontrollable movements, or repeated sounds or words) you shouldn't use methylphenidate since it may trigger these tics. You should also inform your doctor if you suffer from glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, or a feeling of tension or anxiety. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages when you are taking the chewable long-acting tablet (Quillichew ER) or the long-acting orally disintegrating tablet (Cotempla XR-ODT) due to the fact that they contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. It's also important to tell your doctor if your child has phenylketonuria, an inherited condition that can cause a rare type of brain disease known as PKU and requires a diet that is free of phenylalanine.
In some infants, methylphenidate may slow the rate of growth and weight, which is why doctors usually recommend regular reviews of your child's growth and progress using an incline-weight chart. There is also the possibility of priapism, a condition that causes an abnormal erectile dysfunction that can be caused by certain CNS stimulants.
Methylphenidate can interact with certain medications, including decongestants, cold and allergy medicines containing the ingredient ephedrine. It can also interact with blood thinners in certain combinations like warfarin, for instance, which is used to prevent blood clots in patients who undergo surgery. It should also be avoided by pregnant women because it could cause a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. In these instances, you should seek medical attention straight immediately. It is not recommended to use methylphenidate over a long period of time. This is due to the fact that it's unclear if it's safe and effective.