ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help alleviate symptoms like inattention and hyperactivity The effects are usually experienced within 30 to 60 minutes. They are the first line treatment for people suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants alter the neurotransmitters that are key to their function, dopamine and noradrenaline within the tiny spaces between neurons called synapses. They also help connected neurons communicate with each other better.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, also referred to as crystal, ice or speed, is a potent stimulant drug that could cause adverse effects. It enhances talkativeness, energy and appetite. It also creates the sensation of euphoria. It can also cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate and lead to an increase in body temperature. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that occurs in people who are addicted to meth. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety may cause a variety of serious health issues, such as severe brain damage.
Meth is available in prescription and nonprescription forms. It's typically taken orally and is available in immediate-release, extended-release or controlled-release formulations. It's frequently misused and could cause a variety of adverse health effects including heart disease, addiction and overdose.
Meth is generally more hazardous and less effective than medications used to treat ADHD. The stimulants boost the levels of certain brain hormones such as norepinephrine and dopamine. The drugs include the brand-name ones methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexmethylphenidate. Those medications are classified as a kind of amphetamine and come in immediate-release, extended-release, or control-release oral formulations.
Most of these medications are, however, prescribed by doctors for short-term use. Doctors prescribe the smallest dose of medication to minimize the risk of side effects and misuse. They also closely examine the patient for indications of dependence and addiction.
It isn't easy to overcome the habit of addiction to stimulants. Even if a person is taking meth just occasionally they may become dependent on the drug and suffer symptoms like irritability, mood swings, anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Long-term methamphetamine use can cause weight loss and malnutrition as well as serious health issues or dental problems. It can also lead to mental health issues, such as depression. People who use meth regularly tend to lose interest previously engaged in activities they enjoyed.
Methamphetamine falls under Schedule II. Avoid taking this drug if pregnant or nursing. Mixing meth with alcohol, cocaine/crack, opiates, and other drugs is also dangerous.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first-line medication used to treat ADHD in adults and children. It is a central nerve stimulant. This means that it stimulates the parts of the brain that are inactive within ADHD patients and aids them to focus and concentrate. It also improves the ability to organize and plan, as well as manage emotions. Methylphenidate can also be a dopamine reuptake inhibitor and a noradrenaline inhibitor. It blocks the chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline from getting taken back up into the nerve cells after release, allowing them to hang around longer and have a greater impact on the brain.
Methylphenidate isn't a cause of an "high" and isn't addictive at the doses typically prescribed for ADHD. It is still a controlled drug and there is still a chance of abuse or addiction. Your doctor will write your prescription with additional information that makes it more difficult to copy or alter and you should only use the medication as directed by your doctor. The stimulants don't cause addiction at the low doses used to treat ADHD However, some individuals might develop a tolerance the drugs and need to increase their dosage over time.
This can cause negative effects such as headaches nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision. It is recommended to consult your physician whether your child or you experience these symptoms. The long-term use of methylphenidate may cause irregular heartbeats as well as an increase in blood pressure. These issues are more frequent when the drug is used with nitrates or opiates, which is the reason doctors don't prescribe it to patients with these conditions.
If you have a family history of Tourette's syndrome or motor or facial tics (repeated uncontrollable movements or repeating sounds or words) you shouldn't use methylphenidate as it could cause these tics. You should also inform your doctor if you suffer from glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland or symptoms of anxiety or tension. Avoid drinking alcohol-based beverages when taking the chewable, long-acting tablet (Quillichew ER) or the long-acting oral disintegrating tablet (Cotempla XR-ODT) as they contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. It is also important to inform your doctor if your child or suffers from Phenylketonuria. It is an inheritable condition which results in a rare form of brain disease referred to as PKU. It requires a diet free of Phenylalanine.
In some young children, methylphenidate may slow their growth rate and weight, which is why doctors usually suggest regular assessments of your child's progress using an incline-weight chart. Some CNS stimulants can cause priapism - an abnormal erectile disorder.
adhd sleep medication can interact with a range of medications, including decongestants and cold or allergy medications that contain ephedrine. It also has a negative interaction with certain blood thinners like warfarin, which is used by patients going through surgery to prevent blood clots. It should be avoided by pregnant women since it could cause a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome. In such instances you should seek medical attention right away. It's also not recommended to use methylphenidate over a long period of time, as it's not clear how it's safe and effective in the long run.