ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are used to treat conditions like inattention and hyperactivity. They usually take effect in 30 to 60 minutes. They are the first line treatment for people suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants alter the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline within the tiny spaces between neurons called synapses. They also aid connected neurons to communicate with each other better.
how does medication for adhd work www.iampsychiatry.com , also known as crystal, ice or speed, is a powerful stimulant drug with potentially dangerous side effects. It increases activity and talkativeness, decreases appetite, and gives a pleasant feeling of joy. It can also cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate and can cause body temperature elevation. Certain people who take meth may develop poor circulation to their toes and fingers this is known as Raynaud's condition. Methamphetamine can cause many other serious health problems, including severe brain damage.
Meth is available in prescription and nonprescription versions. It is usually taken orally and comes in formulations that are immediate-released as well as extended-released or controlled-released. It's often misused, and can result in various negative health consequences, such as addiction and heart disease.
The medications used to treat ADHD are typically more effective and safer than meth. Stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain brain hormones which include dopamine and norepinephrine. The drugs include the brand-name ones methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate and Atomoxetine. These medications are a type amphetamine, and are available in oral immediate-release, controlled-release, or extended-release forms.
The majority of these medications are prescribed by doctors for short-term use. Doctors prescribe the smallest dose of medication in order to reduce the chance of adverse effects and abuse. They also closely check the patient for signs of dependence and addiction.
It can be hard to break the habit of addiction to stimulants. Even if someone uses meth for a few times, they could develop a dependence on it and suffer from symptoms like irritability and anxiety.
Methamphetamine abuse may lead to weight loss, malnutrition and serious dental or health issues. It can also trigger mental health issues such as depression. Chronic meth users also tend to lose interest in activities that were previously enjoyable.
Methamphetamine falls under Schedule II. Do not take this drug if pregnant or nursing. Mixing meth with alcohol crack, cocaine, opiates and other drugs is also risky.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant, is the initial drug used to treat ADHD both in adults and children. It is a central nerve stimulant. This means it stimulates the parts of the brain which are inactive within ADHD patients and aids them to focus and concentrate. It also improves the ability to plan and organise and manage emotions. Methylphenidate can also be a dopamine reuptake inhibitor and a noradrenaline inhibitor. It stops the chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline from being used up by nerve cells after their release, allowing them a longer time to affect the brain.
Methylphenidate isn't a cause of the sensation of a "high" and isn't addictive at the doses typically prescribed for ADHD. It's still a controlled substance and there is a risk of addiction or abuse. Your doctor will prescribe your medication with extra information that makes it more difficult to copy or alter and you should use the medication as directed by your doctor. Stimulants aren't habit-forming in the small doses used to treat ADHD, but some people might develop a tolerance to the drugs and require to increase their dosage over time.
It can result in side effects like headaches, nausea, dizziness and blurred vision. It is important to inform your doctor when your child or you experience these symptoms. The long-term use of methylphenidate could lead to irregular heartbeats and increased blood pressure. These issues are more likely to occur if the drug is taken along with opiates or nitrates, which is the reason doctors don't prescribe it to patients suffering from these conditions.
If you are a victim of Tourette syndrome motor or facial tics, or repeated uncontrollable movements (or repeated sounds or phrases) are not a good reason to take methylphenidate since it may trigger these symptoms. You should also inform your doctor if you suffer from glaucoma, an overactive thyroid gland, or a feeling of anxiety or tension. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the chewable long-acting tablets (Quillichew-ER) or the long-acting tablet (Cotempla-XR-ODT) These contain artificial sweetener Aspartame. It is also essential to inform your doctor if you or your child has phenylketonuria, an inherited condition that causes a rare brain disease known as PKU and requires a diet that is free of phenylalanine.
In some children methylphenidate can slow down their growth rate and weight gain, which is why doctors usually suggest regular assessments of your child's progress using the height-weight chart. There's also the risk of priapism which is an abnormal erectile dysfunction that can happen with some CNS stimulants.
Methylphenidate is a drug that interacts with a variety of medications, including decongestants and cold or allergy remedies that contain ephedrine. It can also interact with certain blood thinners such as warfarin, which is used to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing surgery. It is also recommended to avoid by women who are pregnant as it could cause an extremely serious and potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. In such cases you should seek immediate medical attention. It's also not recommended to take methylphenidate for prolonged periods of time because it isn't really clear how safe and effective it is when used in the long-term.