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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of college students who are abusing prescription stimulants has doubled in the last 3 years. Although these drugs can be dangerous, several studies have shown that they can greatly improve focus and attention. When can such medications be prescribed? Doctors may prescribe them to people with ADHD, narcolepsy or other sleep disorders, or as an emergency treatment for depression. However little is known about the interactions between these drugs and alcohol.

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is the most common mental health disorder among children and adolescents. Although symptoms usually appear during childhood, they may not be noticed until later in life. Common symptoms of ADHD include:

• Being easily distracted
• Inability to focus and follow through with tasks
• Hyperactivity and problems sitting still or remaining quiet

These symptoms are commonly mistaken as a child or teen being lazy or acting out. However, the American Psychiatric Association reports that 3 up to 5 percent of US children suffer from adhd and drinking. These children are mistakenly accused of having poor parenting, rather than having a medical condition.

What are prescription stimulants?

Prescription stimulants include, but are not limited to, Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (amphetamine-l) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine). These medications have the ability to improve attention and learning abilities. Although such medication can greatly benefit children with ADHD, they can also cause extreme side effects. For example, Ritalin has been known to cause cardiac irregularities, insomnia, headaches and even stomach pains. Moreover, it can cause aggression, dependence and heart problems in some people. [NOTE: Alcohol may also augment any of these medical conditions.

Side Effects:

“There are several potential problems with mixing Benzedrine and alcohol,” says Dr. Borenstein, a neurologist and the director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City. “The primary one is to avoid alcohol while taking the drugs because it can lead to insomnia or potentially raise blood pressure. If you drink alcohol while on amphetamines, you can also get a rapid increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which is dangerous if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.

How long can you take these medications?

ADHD medications are taken once or twice a day and generally last from 3 to 6 hours. They may be used long-term in some cases. Consult with your pediatrician or psychiatrist if you need medication for ADHD for more than 2 years.

How do I know if my child has ADHD?

Your pediatrician will make a diagnosis based on your child’s behavior and the symptoms listed above, after reviewing medical history and conducting a physical exam. If your child seems to have symptoms of ADHD, take him or her to a pediatrician for a diagnosis. The doctor will check your child’s development, home environment, school situation, and conduct before making an official diagnosis.

How often should I take my ADHD medication?

A doctor will likely want to see you every 4 to 12 weeks to adjust your dose, depending on how well your body responds to the drug and it does alcohol help adhd. Stimulant medications are typically taken once a day in the morning — and at least an hour before exercise, if you’re exercising regularly. If you can’t swallow them, injections or transdermal patches may be an alternative.