ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants help alleviate symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention, with effects typically felt within 30 to 60 minutes. They are the first line of treatment for people with ADHD.
Stimulants affect the neurotransmitters that are key to their function, dopamine and noradrenaline that are found in the tiny gaps between neurons, referred to as synapses. They also enhance communication between neurons.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is also known as crystal, ice or speed, is a potent stimulant drug that can cause dangerous adverse effects. It boosts talkativeness, activity and appetite. It also gives the sensation of euphoria. It can also cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate and can cause body temperature elevation. Raynaud's syndrome is a condition that occurs in some people who use meth. Methamphetamine is also known to cause brain damage that is severe and other serious health issues.
Meth is available on prescription or without prescription. It's usually taken orally and comes in immediate-release, extended-release or controlled-release formulations. It's frequently misused and can lead to various negative health consequences, such as heart disease and addiction.
The medications used to treat ADHD are generally more effective and safer than meth. Stimulants increase the levels of certain brain hormones, such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These include the brand name drugs methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexmethylphenidate. Those medications are classified as a form of amphetamine. They come in immediate-release, extended-release or control-release oral forms.
Most of these medications are prescribed by physicians for short-term use. Doctors prescribe the smallest dosage of medication to reduce the chance of adverse effects and abuse. They also examine the patient for indications of dependence and addiction.
Addiction to stimulants is a major issue for young people, and it can be difficult to kick the habit. Even when a person is taking meth just occasionally, they can become dependent on the drug and suffer symptoms like irritability anxiety, mood swings and trouble sleeping.
Long-term methamphetamine use can cause weight loss and malnutrition, as well as serious health issues or dental problems. Mental health problems like depression can be triggered by long-term methamphetamine use. Chronic meth users tend to lose interest previously engaged in activities they enjoyed.
Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance. It is important to stay clear of this drug during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It's also dangerous to mix meth with other substances like alcohol, crack cocaine, and opiates.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first-line medication used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It is a central nerve stimulant. This means it stimulates areas of the brain which are not active for ADHD patients and assists them to focus and concentrate. It also improves the ability to plan and organize and also manage emotions. Methylphenidate also acts as a dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. It blocks the chemical dopamine and noradrenaline being taken up into nerve cells after their release, allowing them to have a longer period of time to affect the mind.
In the doses recommended for ADHD, methylphenidate does not cause a "high". It's also not addictive. It is still a controlled substance and there is a possibility of abuse or addiction. Your doctor will write your prescription with additional information that makes it more difficult to copy or alter and you should only follow the prescription as it is. The low doses of stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are not habit-forming. However, certain sufferers develop tolerance and may have to increase their dosage over time.
This can lead to side effects such as headaches nausea, dizziness, stomach upset and blurred vision. It is recommended to consult your physician if your child or you experience these symptoms. The long-term use of methylphenidate may cause irregular heartbeats as well as elevated blood pressure. These issues are more prevalent when the medication is combined with nitrates or opiates which is the reason doctors do not prescribe it to patients with 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 as it can cause these symptoms. Consult adhd sleep medication about any of the following conditions that are present in your case: glaucoma; an overactive thyroid gland or other feelings like tension or anxiety. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages when taking the chewable, long-acting tablet (Quillichew ER) or the long-acting orally disintegrating tablet (Cotempla XR-ODT), because these contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. It is important to inform your doctor if your child suffers from phenylketonuria. It is an inherited condition that is a rare type of brain disease called PKU. It requires a diet that is free of the chemical phenylalanine.
In some young children, methylphenidate may slow the rate of growth and weight gain, this is the reason doctors generally suggest regular assessments of your child's progress with an incline-weight chart. There's also the risk of priapism, an abnormal erectile dysfunction that may happen with some CNS stimulants.
Methylphenidate may interact with a range of medications, including decongestants as well as cold or allergy medications that contain ephedrine. It also interacts with certain blood thinners, including warfarin which is used to prevent blood clots in patients who undergo surgery. It should also be avoided by pregnant women since it can trigger an extremely serious and potentially life-threatening condition known as serotonin disorder. In such cases you must seek medical attention immediately. It's not recommended to use methylphenidate for long periods of time, since it isn't really clear how safe and effective it is when used in the long-term.