Prescription stimulants are used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Parkinson’s disease, narcolepsy, and a few other health issues. However, some individuals abuse these prescription medications, which can lead to developing substance use disorder that requires addiction treatment.
Most Common Prescription Stimulants
The most commonly prescribed types of stimulant drugs are:
- Adderall® (Dextroamphetamine + amphetamine)
- Ritalin® (Methylphenidate)
- Dexedrine® (Dextroamphetamine)
- Concerta® (Methylphenidate)
- Vyvanse® (Lisdexamfetamine)
Signs of Stimulant Abuse
Prescription stimulants enhance the way your body’s central nervous system processes dopamine and norepinephrine. The result can improve the quality of life for a variety of patients—such as increasing focus for individuals with ADHD, or helping people with narcolepsy stay awake.
However, the use of prescription stimulants like Adderall can cause these short-term side effects:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness, agitation
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Increased or rapid heart rate
- Higher blood pressure
- Increased body temperature
Additionally, long-term side effects of stimulants like Adderall can include:
- Weight loss
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
Additionally, prescription stimulants such as Adderall are potentially habit-forming as well. Therefore, prescription stimulant use should only occur under medical supervision.
Signs of Prescription Stimulant Withdrawal
A person that has become dependent on Adderall or other prescription stimulant drugs may experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing their drug use. While withdrawal side effects are not usually life-threatening, they still pose a risk to the individual’s overall sobriety. Many people return to abusing prescription stimulants to avoid the negative feelings during withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms are likely to include:
- Intense dreams (usually nightmares)
- Extreme sleep patterns—insomnia or oversleeping
- Increased appetite
- Cravings for Adderall/prescription stimulants
- Body aches
- Exhaustion
- Memory problems
- Depression
It should be noted that people with a history of depression are especially at-risk during withdrawal from Adderall or similar prescription stimulants. People with depression are far more likely to experience extreme depression during the withdrawal process. Opting for medical detox is the easiest way to ensure your safety and comfort as your body detoxifies itself.
Signs of Stimulant Overdose
If you suspect an overdose of Adderall or another prescription stimulant, call 911 immediately and report the overdose. If possible, monitor the victim and try to help them remain calm.
Symptoms of stimulant overdose may appear as:
- Hyperthermia, or high body temperature
- Extreme blood pressure levels (too high or too low)
- Irregular heartbeat, which can cause a heart attack
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Seizures or hallucinations
Read the full article and learn more about treatment options at https://www.addictionguide.com/prescription-stimulants/rehab/
Beware of Prescription Stimulants Abuse
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Last Updated: May 9, 2022 by drmoea
Prescription stimulants are used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Parkinson’s disease, narcolepsy, and a few other health issues. However, some individuals abuse these prescription medications, which can lead to developing substance use disorder that requires addiction treatment.
Most Common Prescription Stimulants
The most commonly prescribed types of stimulant drugs are:
Signs of Stimulant Abuse
Prescription stimulants enhance the way your body’s central nervous system processes dopamine and norepinephrine. The result can improve the quality of life for a variety of patients—such as increasing focus for individuals with ADHD, or helping people with narcolepsy stay awake.
However, the use of prescription stimulants like Adderall can cause these short-term side effects:
Additionally, long-term side effects of stimulants like Adderall can include:
Additionally, prescription stimulants such as Adderall are potentially habit-forming as well. Therefore, prescription stimulant use should only occur under medical supervision.
Signs of Prescription Stimulant Withdrawal
A person that has become dependent on Adderall or other prescription stimulant drugs may experience withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing their drug use. While withdrawal side effects are not usually life-threatening, they still pose a risk to the individual’s overall sobriety. Many people return to abusing prescription stimulants to avoid the negative feelings during withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms are likely to include:
It should be noted that people with a history of depression are especially at-risk during withdrawal from Adderall or similar prescription stimulants. People with depression are far more likely to experience extreme depression during the withdrawal process. Opting for medical detox is the easiest way to ensure your safety and comfort as your body detoxifies itself.
Signs of Stimulant Overdose
If you suspect an overdose of Adderall or another prescription stimulant, call 911 immediately and report the overdose. If possible, monitor the victim and try to help them remain calm.
Symptoms of stimulant overdose may appear as:
Read the full article and learn more about treatment options at https://www.addictionguide.com/prescription-stimulants/rehab/
Category: Blog Tags: addiction guide, drop the drugs, drug recovery, recovery