ADHD Stimulant Medication
Stimulants are used to treat conditions such as hyperactivity and inattention. They usually take effect in 30 to 60 minutes. They are the first-line treatment for those suffering from ADHD.
Stimulants alter the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine and naradrenaline in the tiny gaps called synapses between neurons. They also enhance communication between neurons.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine (also called meth, crystal, ice or speed) is a potent stimulant drug that may cause dangerous adverse effects. It enhances talkativeness and activity reduces appetite, and induces a feeling of euphoria. It can also cause changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature. Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that can occur in some people who use meth. Methamphetamine is also known to cause serious brain damage and other serious health problems.
Meth is available in prescription and nonprescription forms. It's typically taken orally and is available in immediate-release, extended-release and controlled-release formulations. It's frequently misused and could cause a variety of health issues, such as heart disease, addiction and overdose.
Meth is usually more dangerous and less effective than drugs used to treat ADHD. The 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 are all forms of amphetamine that is available in oral immediate-release, controlled-release extended-release or controlled-release forms.
The majority of these medications are prescribed by physicians for short-term use. Doctors typically prescribe the lowest dosage of medication that is possible to minimize the risks of side effects and misuse. More methods for signs of dependency and addiction.
It can be hard to overcome the habit of addiction to stimulants. Even if a person is using meth occasionally, they may develop a dependence on it and experience symptoms like anxiety and irritability.
Long-term methamphetamine usage can cause malnutrition and weight loss, and can also cause serious dental or health problems. It can also lead to mental health issues such as depression. People who use meth regularly tend to lose interest in previously enjoyable activities.
Methamphetamine falls under Schedule II. It is crucial to avoid taking this drug while pregnant or breastfeeding. Mixing meth with alcohol cocaine/crack, opiates, and other substances is dangerous.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the first-line treatment used to treat ADHD in both adults and children. It is a central nervous stimulant. This means that it stimulates the parts of the brain which are not active for ADHD patients and helps them focus and concentrate. It also improves their ability to organize, plan and manage emotions. Methylphenidate also acts as an dopamine reuptake as well as a noradrenaline inhibitor. It prevents the chemicals dopamine and noradrenaline from being released back into nerve cells after release, permitting them to stay longer and have a bigger impact on the brain.
In the doses prescribed for ADHD, methylphenidate doesn't cause a "high". It's also not addictive. It is still a controlled substance, and there is a possibility of addiction or abuse. Your doctor will prescribe your medication with extra information that makes it more difficult to modify or copy and you should take the medicine as prescribed. The low doses of stimulants prescribed to treat ADHD are not habit-forming, however some people develop a tolerance and will need to increase their dosage over time.
This could cause negative side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, stomach upset and blurred vision. You should tell your doctor 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 problems are more common when the medication is combined with nitrates or opiates, which is the reason doctors don't prescribe it to patients suffering from these conditions.
If you have an ancestral history of Tourette's syndrome or facial or motor tics (repeated uncontrollable movements, or repeated words or sounds) you shouldn't use methylphenidate as it could cause these tics. Inform your doctor whether any of the following conditions apply to you: glaucoma; an overactive thyroid gland; or feelings like tension or anxiety. Avoid drinking alcohol-based drinks while taking the long-acting chewable tablet (Quillichew ER) or long-acting orally disintegrating tablet (Cotempla XR-ODT) as they contain the artificial sweetener aspartame. It is also important to inform your doctor if you think your child suffers from phenylketonuria. This is an inherited condition that is a rare type of brain disease referred to as PKU. It requires a diet free of Phenylalanine.
In some children methylphenidate can slow down the rate of growth and weight gain, this is the reason doctors generally suggest regular assessments of your child's growth and progress using the height-weight chart. Some CNS stimulants can also trigger the condition known as priapism, which is an abnormal erectile disorder.
Methylphenidate is a drug that interacts with a variety of medications, including decongestants and cold or allergy medications that contain ephedrine. It can also interact with blood thinners in certain combinations, including warfarin, which is used to prevent blood clots occurring in patients undergoing surgery. It is also recommended to avoid by pregnant women since it can trigger an extremely serious and potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. In such instances, you must seek immediate medical attention. It's also not recommended to take methylphenidate over a long period of time, as it's unclear how safe and effective it is when used for long-term use.