ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help alleviate symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention, with effects typically seen within 30 to 60 minutes. They are the first-line medication for people with ADHD.
Stimulants alter the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and naradrenaline within the tiny gaps called synapses between neurons. They also aid connected neurons to communicate more effectively with each other.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine (also called meth crystal, ice, or speed) is an extremely potent stimulant drug that can cause dangerous side effects. It enhances talkativeness and activity reduces appetite, and creates a pleasurable sense of euphoria. It can also trigger changes in blood pressure and heart rate and can cause body temperature elevation. Raynaud's syndrome is a condition that can occur in some people who use meth. Methamphetamine may cause a variety of serious health issues, including severe brain damage.
Meth is available in prescription and nonprescription forms. It is usually consumed orally, and comes in formulations that are immediate-released as well as extended-released or controlled-released. It is often abused, and can result in a number of negative health outcomes such as heart disease and addiction.
Meth is usually more dangerous and less effective than medications used to treat ADHD. Stimulants increase levels of certain brain hormones, like norepinephrine and dopamine. These include the brand name drugs methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate and Atomoxetine. Those medications are classified as a type of amphetamine, and they are available in immediate-release and extended-release or control-release oral forms.
Most of these medications are, however, prescribed by doctors for short-term use. Doctors prescribe the smallest dosage of medication to reduce the risk of side effects and misuse. They also monitor the patient closely for signs of dependence and addiction.
It isn't easy to break the habit of addiction to stimulants. Even if a person uses meth for a few times, they could become dependent and suffer from symptoms like irritability and anxiety.
Long-term methamphetamine usage can cause malnutrition and weight loss, as well as serious health issues or dental problems. It can also trigger mental health issues such as depression. People who use meth regularly tend to lose interest in activities that were previously enjoyable.
Methamphetamine is classified under Schedule II. Do not take this drug if you are pregnant or nursing. Mixing adhd treatment medication with alcohol, crack cocaine, opiates, and other drugs can be risky.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is a central nerve system stimulant, is the first drug used to treat ADHD both in children and adults. It's a central nervous system stimulant, that means it stimulates parts of the brain that are inactive when people suffer from ADHD and assists them to concentrate and focus. It also improves the capacity to plan and organize, as well as manage emotions. Methylphenidate also acts as a dopamine reuptake and noradrenaline inhibitor. It prevents the chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline from being released into nerve cells after their release, which gives them to have a longer period of time to impact the brain.
Methylphenidate isn't a cause of a "high" and isn't addictive at the dosages commonly prescribed for ADHD. But, it's a controlled drug and there's still a risk of abuse or addiction. Your doctor may add additional information to your prescription, which makes it difficult to copy or alter. It is best to take the medication as directed by your doctor. Low doses of stimulants that are used to treat ADHD are not habit-forming, but some sufferers develop tolerance and will need to increase their dosage as time passes.
This can cause negative effects such as headaches nausea, dizziness and blurred vision. It is recommended to consult your physician if your child or you suffer from these symptoms. Long-term use of methylphenidate can result in irregular heartbeats as well as an increase in blood pressure. These issues are more prevalent if the drug is combined with opiates or nitrates, this is why 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 take methylphenidate because it can cause these tics. You should also tell your doctor if you suffer from glaucoma, an active thyroid gland, or a feeling of tension or anxiety. Avoid drinking alcohol when you are taking the chewable long-acting tablet (Quillichew-ER) or the long-acting tablet (Cotempla-XR-ODT) These contain the 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 type of brain disease known as PKU and requires a diet free from phenylalanine.
In some infants, methylphenidate may slow their rate of growth and weight, which is why doctors usually suggest regular assessments of your child's growth and progress using the height-weight chart. There's also the risk of priapism, an abnormal erectile dysfunction which can happen with some CNS stimulants.
Methylphenidate may interact with certain medications, such as decongestants, cold and allergy medicines containing ephedrine. It may also interact negatively with certain blood thinners like warfarin that are used by patients who undergo surgery to stop blood clots. It should be avoided by pregnant women since it can cause dangerous and sometimes fatal condition known as serotonin disorder. In such cases you should seek immediate medical attention. It is not recommended to make use of methylphenidate for a prolonged period of time. This is due to the fact that it's unclear if it's safe and effective.