Introduction
In my previous article, I discussed some facts about the use of stimulant medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In this article, I will discuss some of the side effects of stimulant medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. They include the health effects of stimulant medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as well as how stimulant medication can effect a patient’s risk of substance abuse.
What Are The Health Effects Of Stimulant Medication For ADHD?
What are the health effects of stimulant medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. According to drugabuse.gov, the following can be noted about the health effects of stimulant medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:
Stimulants can increase blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature and decrease sleep and appetite. When they are abused, they can lead to malnutrition and its consequences. Repeated abuse of stimulants can lead to feelings of hostility and paranoia. At high doses, they can lead to serious cardiovascular complications, including stroke.
How Can Stimulant Medication Affect A Patient’s Risk Of Substance Abuse?
In addition to discussing the health effects of stimulant medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, I will also discuss how stimulant medication can affect a patient’s risk of substance abuse. According to drugabuse.gov, the following information can be noted:
Prescription stimulants are sometimes abused however—that is, taken in higher quantities or in a different manner than prescribed, or taken by those without a prescription. Because they suppress appetite, increase wakefulness, and increase focus and attention, they are frequently abused for purposes of weight loss or performance enhancement (e.g., to help study or boost grades in school; see box). Because they may produce euphoria, these drugs are also frequently abused for recreational purposes (i.e., to get high). Euphoria from stimulants is generally produced when pills are crushed and then snorted or mixed with water and injected.
Addiction to stimulants is also a very real consideration for anyone taking them without medical supervision. Addiction most likely occurs because stimulants, when taken in doses and routes other than those prescribed by a doctor, can induce a rapid rise in dopamine in the brain. Furthermore, if stimulants are abused chronically, withdrawal symptoms—including fatigue, depression, and disturbed sleep patterns—can result when a person stops taking them. Additional complications from abusing stimulants can arise when pills are crushed and injected: Insoluble fillers in the tablets can block small blood vessels.
Conclusion
This article has described the side effects of stimulant medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. To be specific, stimulant medication prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can impact a patient’s health. For instance, it can cause increased blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature and decrease sleep and appetite. In addition, stimulant medication can also increase the risk for substance abuse. To be specific, taking stimulant medication can also be an abusive tendency as well.
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