Medications used for ADHD treatment is primarily composed of Amphetamine based drugs. These drugs are classified as simulant medications wherein their main effects are the increase of the brain’s dopamine and norepinephrine levels. The person’s ability to get excited, focus their attention, coordinate motion, and stimulate feelings directly depend on the aforementioned neurotransmitters. Through the aid of Amphetamine based drugs, the levels of such neurotransmitters are significantly increased thus, delivering positive effects on students with ADHD such as improved focus, diminished cases of impulsive behavior, and improved critical thinking skills.
Researches have conducted a series of investigations through the medical records of people with ADHD and were amazed to find out that about 80% or these patients utilize Amphetamine based drugs as their primary option in ADHD treatment. Adderall, Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, and Dextrostat are just some of the many examples of the said type of drugs. Amphetamine has a short acting type in the form of Adderall. Its positive effects usually last within 3-8 hours. However, it has an extended release formulation from which effects last at least 8 – 10 hours. Dexedrine and Dextrostat on the other hand, are fast acting with effects lasting by about 5 hours. Furthermore, Dexedrine has a sustained release formulation from which the first hour of intake delivers the first half of dosage while the second half is released after three and a half hours have passed.
Amphetamine Adverse Effects:
Like any other complex medications, Amphetamine based drugs used in ADHD treatment causes difficulty in sleeping as well as severe disturbance in one’s appetite. Mood swings and irritability are also common side effects that can be expected out of Amphetamine based medications. Such adverse effects more commonly appear as after effects upon the withdrawal of the medication. Other minor side effects of the said type of drugs include nausea, headaches, and stomach upsets.
Taking Amphetamine based drugs as ADHD Treatment also makes an individual prone to more serious side effects. These life threatening effects include increased blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular illnesses. In order to lessen or avoid these side effects, patients with ADHD should always go along or strictly follow with the doctor’s prescription and guidance. Doctors on the other hand, should be more strict and careful with their supervision over their patients.
References:
Live Strong. Amphetamines for ADHD. Retrieved March 27. 2011 from http://www.livestrong.com/article/162397-amphetamines-for-adhd/
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