ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It works by improving brain communication, which reduces ADHD.
ADHD medications can have adverse effects, such as decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are mild and will disappear on their o own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which are important neurotransmitters partially responsible for regulating motivation as well as action and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used since decades. It is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the supervision of a doctor.
Nevertheless there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is administered at therapeutic doses. Therefore, physicians need to assess each patient for risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is important to inform patients and their family members about the dangers of not using medications and the need to properly get rid of them. It is best to utilize a locked medicine box that will stop children from taking unneeded medication. It's also a good idea to remind patients not to give their medication to anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings particularly in people who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental health history. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. This medication can also cause an increase in blood pressure, which can lead to stroke or heart problems. If you experience chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if there is an ancestor with a history of heart disease, sudden death, or any time you've had a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication could affect your blood circulation, causing numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make it hard to fall asleep.
It is not known whether the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. However many doctors prefer the brand-name version due its proven safety and effectiveness. This medication can be abused and should not be given to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence that has not yet been scientifically proved. Some parents have reported that their children respond differently to name-brand versus generic methylphenidate, but this is not necessarily true for every child.
Side effects
It takes time to find the appropriate dose when you start treatment for ADHD. A doctor will be able to monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and make adjustments until they find the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can cause adverse reactions that range from sleep disorders, irritability and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death, in those with certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disorders high blood pressure, a history of cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Ritalin as with other stimulant medications, can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It may also cause a slight increase in the rate of your child's pulse and blood pressure. If you have heart problems or a pre-existing health condition Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes in mood, including anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior that can be particularly difficult for young children taking the drug. In some cases, it may cause tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also slow growth in adolescents and children. However, this is usually temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
There are several kinds of this medication which are available by prescription only. It can be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolving or a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or a liquid. add medication adult make use of an ingredient that acts quickly and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term which requires a higher dosage.
This medication could interact with other drugs like antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication can also increase the risk of glaucoma caused by angle closure which could be a fatal side consequence.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other drugs and substances, which can alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful, even deadly. You should tell your doctor about all other medications you or your child is taking, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors, seizures, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by those who suffer from circulatory issues such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in people who suffer from these conditions.
Some fMRI studies have found that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation when compared to non-medication and placebo conditions in the same regions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate causes its effect on behavior by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, other studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to hinder the reuptake process of dopamine in some regions, like the striatum, but not others, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination did not perform as well as one medication. There is no one-stop treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not require medications to manage the disorder. Skills training and behavior therapy can help a lot of people develop more effective strategies for coping.
There are reports that brand-name Ritalin is more effective than the generic form, but this has not been confirmed by clinical trials. Both drugs are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It also works in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in heart attack, stroke, or coma. Being aware of the symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in various ways. One could accidentally take too many pills because they did not remember to take a dose retake. Other substances can interact with the drug, causing its effects, or they could be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to do it. Long-term Ritalin use can also lead to tolerance and psychological dependency that can lead addiction. As a result people with an history of abuse of stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. They must be able to give the emergency responders details about the dosage, the time they were taking it, as well as any other drugs or substances they took. The emergency response team can determine what they should do to treat the person. In general, they will pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, to remove any excess drugs from the body before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical experts. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. Activated charcoal can also be given to the patient in order to prevent the drug from circulating into their body. The hospital staff may cool the patient with fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin, store it in a location in a place where children aren't able to reach it. You may also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Don't keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.