ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants can help with symptoms such as inattention and hyperactivity, with effects typically seen within 30 to 60 minutes. They are the first-line treatment for those suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants affect the neurotransmitters that are key to their function, dopamine and noradrenaline in the tiny spaces between neurons, referred to as synapses. They also help neurons communicate better with one another.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine (also called meth crystal, ice, or speed) is a potent stimulant drug that can cause dangerous adverse reactions. It increases activity and talkativeness, decreases appetite, and induces a feeling of joy. It can also cause changes in blood pressure as well as heart rate and body temperature. Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition that can occur in some people who use meth. Methamphetamine can also cause severe brain damage and other serious health problems.
Meth is sold both with or without a prescription. It is usually consumed orally, and is available in formulations that are immediate-released as well as extended-released or controlled-released. It's frequently misused and can lead to several negative health effects, including addiction and heart disease.
Meth is generally more hazardous and less effective than the medications used to treat ADHD. Stimulants increase the levels of certain brain hormones such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Brand-name medications include methylphenidate dexmethylphenidate atomoxetine. These medications are a type amphetamine that is available in controlled-release, immediate-release, or extended-release forms.
The majority of these medications are prescribed by doctors for short-term use. Doctors typically prescribe the lowest dosage of medication that is possible to minimize the risks of side effects and misuse. They also monitor the person for indications of dependence and addiction.
Stimulant addiction is a major issue for young people, and it can be a challenge to break the habit. Even if a person is only using meth for a few times, they can become dependent on the drug and experience symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
Long-term methamphetamine usage can cause malnutrition and weight loss, and can also cause serious health or dental issues. Mental health issues, such as depression, can also be caused by methamphetamine abuse for long periods of time. Chronic meth users tend to lose interest in previously engaging in activities that they enjoy.
Methamphetamine is classified under Schedule II. Do not take this drug if you are pregnant or nursing. Mixing meth with alcohol, cocaine/crack, opiates, and other drugs is also risky.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first-line treatment used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It's a central nervous system stimulant that means it stimulates parts of the brain that are inactive in people with ADHD and assists them to concentrate and focus. It also improves their ability to organize, plan and manage their emotions. Methylphenidate also acts as a dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. It stops the chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline from getting taken up into nerve cells following their release, which gives them to take longer to affect the mind.
best adhd medication for adults doesn't cause a "high" and isn't addictive in the doses that are usually prescribed for ADHD. However, it's a controlled drug, and there is a chance of abuse or addiction. Your doctor will write your prescription with additional information, making it difficult to modify or copy and you should only use the medication as directed by your doctor. They aren't addictive in the small doses used to treat ADHD However, some individuals might develop a tolerance to the drugs and need to increase the dosage as time passes.
This can lead to side effects like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision. It is important to inform your doctor if your child or you suffer from these symptoms. The long-term use of methylphenidate may cause irregular heartbeats as well as an increase in blood pressure. These problems are more likely if the medication is used in conjunction together with opiates or nitrates which is why doctors don't prescribe it to people with these conditions.
If you have a family history of Tourette's syndrome or motor or facial tics (repeated uncontrollable movements or repetitive sounds or words) you shouldn't use methylphenidate since it may cause them. You should also tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, an active thyroid gland, or a feeling of anxiety or tension. natural adhd medication should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking the long-acting chewable tablet (Quillichew ER) or the long-acting orally disintegrating tablet (Cotempla XR-ODT) as they contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. You should also tell your doctor if you think your child you have Phenylketonuria. This is an inherited condition that causes a rare form of brain disease called PKU. It requires a diet free of the chemical phenylalanine.
In some infants, methylphenidate can slow their growth rate and weight gain, which is why doctors usually recommend regular reviews of your child's progress using the height-weight chart. There is also the possibility of priapism, an abnormal erectile dysfunction which can be caused by certain CNS stimulants.
Methylphenidate can interact with certain medications, including decongestants and cold and allergy medications that contain ephedrine. It also has a negative interaction with blood thinners, like warfarin, which is used by patients who undergo surgery to prevent blood clots. Women who are pregnant should avoid it as it could cause serotonin-induced syndrome, a serious condition that can be life-threatening. In such instances, you must seek medical attention immediately. It's not recommended to use methylphenidate for prolonged periods of time, as it's not clear how it's safe and effective in the long run.