ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are used to treat issues like hyperactivity and inattention. They usually take effect in 30 to 60 minutes. They are the first line of treatment for people suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants alter the activities of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and naradrenaline in the tiny synapses between neurons. They also improve communication between neurons.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, also known as crystal, ice, or speed, is a powerful stimulant drug that can cause dangerous side effects. It enhances talkativeness and activity reduces appetite, and induces a feeling of joy. It can also cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure and cause an increase in body temperature. add adhd medications who take meth might experience poor circulation to their toes and fingers which is known as Raynaud's phenomenon. Methamphetamine has also been known to cause serious brain damage and other serious health issues.
Meth is sold both on prescription or without prescription. It is usually consumed orally and comes in formulations that are immediate-released as well as extended-released or controlled-released. It's frequently misused and could cause a variety of negative health outcomes, such as heart disease, addiction and overdose.
Meth is typically more harmful and less effective than the drugs used to treat ADHD. Stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain brain hormones which include dopamine and norepinephrine. Brand-name medications include methylphenidate dexmethylphenidate atomoxetine. These are all forms of amphetamine, and are available in controlled-release, immediate-release, or extended-release forms.
Most of these medicines are prescribed by doctors for short-term use. Doctors usually prescribe the smallest dose of medication possible to minimize the risks of adverse reactions and misuse. They also check the patient for indications of dependence and addiction.
It can be hard to break the cycle of stimulant addiction. Even if someone uses meth on occasion, they can develop a dependence on it and experience symptoms like anxiety and irritability.
Methamphetamine abuse can lead to weight loss, malnutrition and severe dental or health problems. It can also cause mental health issues, like depression. Chronic meth users are also more likely to lose interest in activities that were previously enjoyable.
Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is important to stay clear of this drug during pregnancy or nursing. Mixing meth with alcohol cocaine/crack, opiates, and other substances is dangerous.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant, is the primary treatment for ADHD both in children and adults. It's a central nervous system stimulant, which means it stimulates bits of the brain that are inactive for people suffering from ADHD and assists them to concentrate and focus. It also enhances the capacity to plan and organize and also manage emotions. Methylphenidate is also a dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. It blocks the chemical dopamine and noradrenaline from being used up by nerve cells after their release, which gives them to have a longer period of time to have an impact on the mind.
Methylphenidate doesn't cause a "high" and isn't addictive at the dosages commonly prescribed for ADHD. It's still a controlled drug and there is still a chance of addiction or abuse. Your doctor will write your prescription with additional information, making it difficult to copy or alter and you should take the medicine as prescribed. They aren't addictive at the low doses used to treat ADHD, but some people might develop a tolerance to the drugs and need to increase the dosage in time.
This could result in adverse effects like headaches and stomach upsets, dizziness and blurred vision. It's crucial to let your doctor know if your child is suffering from these issues. The long-term use of methylphenidate could lead to irregular heartbeats and elevated blood pressure. These issues are more frequent when the drug is used with opiates or nitrates, which is why doctors do not prescribe it to patients suffering from these conditions.
If you are a victim of Tourette syndrome facial or motor tics or uncontrollable movements that are repeated (or repeating words or sounds), you should not take methylphenidate as it can cause these symptoms. Inform your doctor if any of these conditions apply to you for example: glaucoma; an active thyroid gland; or feelings like tension or anxiety. You should avoid drinking alcoholic drinks while taking the long-acting chewable tablet (Quillichew ER) or the long-acting oral disintegrating tablet (Cotempla XR-ODT), because these 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 causes a rare form of brain disease referred to as PKU. It requires a diet that is free of phenylalanine.
Children of all ages can be affected by methylphenidate. This can slow down their growth and weight. This is the reason why doctors recommend that you periodically review your child's progress using the height-weight graph. There's also a risk of priapism which is an abnormal erectile dysfunction which can happen with some CNS stimulants.
Methylphenidate is known to interact with some medications, such as decongestants, cold and allergy medicines containing ephedrine. It may also interact with blood thinners in certain combinations such as warfarin, which is used to prevent blood clots from occurring in patients undergoing surgery. Women who are pregnant should be cautious about it since it can trigger serotonin-induced syndrome, a serious condition that can be life-threatening. In these cases you must seek medical attention immediately. It is not recommended that you use methylphenidate over a long period of time. It's because it's not clear whether it's safe and effective.