ADHD Medications

Lisdexamfetamine and Dexamfetamine (dextroamphetamine)
Methylphenidate

Scientific Names: Methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine and Dexamfetamine (dextroamphetamine)

Generic Names: Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metyrol); Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse); Dexamfetamine (Amfexa, Dexedrine). Generic Names: ADHD medications, stimulants.

An example of what ADHD Medications looks like

You cannot always be sure that what you buy is what you get, but if you want to send any substance off for testing, you can send it to WEDINOS

What does it look like?

Methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine (which converts to dextroamphetamine in the body) and dexamfetamine (also known as dextroamphetamine) are three of the prescribed medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. They come in tablet, capsule, or oral solution forms. They are all stimulant drugs and have been misused as street drugs.

Effects of ADHD Medications

Desired Effects:

Desired effects are like amphetamine:

Alertness
Energy
Euphoria
Improved concentration and enhanced performance.

Side Effects:

Decreased appetite
Aggression
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Headaches
Diarrhoea
Nausea and vomiting
Methylphenidate may cause significant increase in sexual desire ‘hyper sexuality’ which is increased with ADHD anyway.

Risks

Long term risks:

Sleeping problems
Anxiety
May cause or worsen psychosis.
Psychological dependence.

Short term risks:

Anorexia
Convulsions
Heart attacks
Stroke
Overdose and death have been reported.

How does ADHD Medications work?

Central nervous system stimulants.

Legal status of ADHD Medications

They are all Class B drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

How is ADHD Medications taken?

The medication is manufactured in tablet, capsule or oral solution form so will be swallowed if taken as prescribed. As street drugs they are taken at higher than therapeutic doses, or by using in other ways such as chewing, snorting or injecting.

Paraphernalia

None.

Medical uses of ADHD Medications

They are all used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but may have other medical uses.

Where Does it Come From?

Diverted from manufacturers, pharmacies, GPs, or have been made in bathrooms or clandestine labs.

Helping Services

Most areas of the UK have 'street agencies' or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. The increase in stimulant use has led to some agencies offering specialist services that offer counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies and prescribing of anti-depressants, and also possible referral to residential rehabilitation. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. GPs and possibly the local hospital A&E department can make referrals to specialist drug services as well as general medical services, information and advice often in partnership with a drug agency or Drug Dependency Unit.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc...