ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help with symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity and can be felt within 30 to 60 minutes. They are the first line medication for those suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants alter the activities of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and naradrenaline at the tiny synapses between neurons. They also help neurons communicate better with one another.
how does medication for adhd work (also known as meth crystal, ice, crystal or speed) is a potent stimulant drug that may cause dangerous adverse reactions. It increases activity, talkativeness and appetite. It also gives a pleasant feeling of euphoria. It can also trigger changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate and body temperature. Raynaud's syndrome is a condition that can occur in a few people who use meth. Methamphetamine can trigger a myriad of serious health problems, including severe brain damage.
Meth is available in prescription and nonprescription versions. It is usually taken orally, and is available in formulations that are immediate-released as well as extended-released or controlled-released. It's commonly misused and can cause a variety of adverse health effects, such as addiction, heart disease, and overdose.
The medications used to treat ADHD are usually more efficient and safer than meth. Stimulants increase levels of certain brain hormones, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Medications include the brand-name drugs methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexmethylphenidate. These medications are a type amphetamine that is available in controlled-release, immediate-release or extended-release versions.
Most of these medicines are prescribed by physicians for short-term use. Doctors generally prescribe the lowest dose of medication possible to reduce the risk of adverse effects and misuse. They also closely monitor the person for indications of dependence and addiction.
It can be difficult to break the habit of stimulant addiction. Even when a person is using meth only occasionally, they can become dependent on the drug and experience symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
Methamphetamine abuse may lead to malnutrition, weight loss and severe dental or health issues. It can also cause mental health issues such as depression. Chronic meth users are also more likely to lose interest in previously enjoyable activities.
Methamphetamine is classified under Schedule II. It is crucial to avoid taking this drug during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's also not recommended to mix meth with other drugs, including alcohol, cocaine/crack and opiates.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first-line drug used to treat ADHD in adults and children. It's a central nervous system stimulant that means it stimulates parts of the brain that are inactive for people suffering from ADHD and helps them concentrate and focus. It also enhances their ability to plan, organise and manage their emotions. Methylphenidate also acts as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor and a noradrenaline inhibitor. It prevents the chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline from being released back into nerve cells after release, permitting them to stay longer and have a bigger impact on the brain.
In the doses recommended for ADHD, methylphenidate does not cause a "high". It's also not addictive. However, it is a controlled drug and there is still the possibility of addiction or abuse. Your doctor will write your prescription with additional information, making it more difficult to alter or copy and you should only follow the prescription as it is. The stimulants don't cause addiction at the low doses used to treat ADHD However, some individuals might develop a tolerance to the medication and have to increase the dosage over time.
This could result in negative side effects, such as headaches nausea, dizziness, stomach upset and blurred vision. It is important to inform your doctor if your child or you are experiencing these symptoms. The long-term use of methylphenidate may cause irregular heartbeats and an increase in blood pressure. These issues are more likely if the medication is combined with nitrates or opiates, this is why doctors do not prescribe it to those suffering from these conditions.
If you have an ancestral history of Tourette's syndrome or facial or motor tics (repeated uncontrollable movements, or repeated sounds or words) you shouldn't take methylphenidate as it could trigger these tics. You should also tell your doctor if you have an overactive thyroid gland or symptoms of anxiety or tension. You should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking the long-acting chewable tablet (Quillichew ER) or the long-acting oral disintegrating tablet (Cotempla XR-ODT) due to the fact that they contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. It's also important to inform your doctor if your child has phenylketonuria, an inheritable condition that causes a rare type of brain disease known as PKU and requires a diet that is free of the chemical phenylalanine.
In some children, methylphenidate may slow their growth rate and weight gain, this is the reason doctors generally recommend regular reviews of your child's growth and progress using a height-weight chart. Certain CNS stimulants can also trigger priapism - an abnormal Erectile disorder.
Methylphenidate can interact with a variety of medications, including decongestants as well as cold or allergy remedies that contain ephedrine. It may also interact with blood thinners in certain combinations, including warfarin, which is used to prevent blood clots in patients having surgery. It should also be avoided by pregnant women because it can trigger a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. In such instances you should seek immediate medical attention. It's also not recommended to take methylphenidate for long periods of time, since it isn't really clear how safe and effective it is when used in the long-term.