ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It helps improve brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medications can trigger side effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. The majority of these side effects are minor and will go away on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters partially responsible for regulating motivation actions, cognition, and motivation. It is a psychostimulant that has been used since decades. It is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the supervision of a physician.
However there have been instances of abuse and addiction even when the drug is used in therapeutic doses. Physicians must determine the risk of each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is important to inform patients and their family members of the dangers of not using medications and the need to appropriately dispose of them. A locked medicine box is ideal since it prevents children from accessing and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, particularly in people who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental illness history. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure which can lead to stroke or heart problems. Get your doctor's attention immediately if you have an elevated heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Inform your doctor if there is any family history of heart disease, sudden death or if you've ever had bleeding or stroke issues. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It isn't clear whether the brand-name version is more efficient than its generic counterpart. However, many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version due its safety record and effectiveness. This medication is susceptible to abuse, and should not be administered to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication performs better than others, however this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proven scientifically. Some parents have said that their children react differently to generic versus name-brand methylphenidate, but this isn't necessarily the case for all children.
Side effects
When you begin medication to treat ADHD it takes some time to find the right dosage. A healthcare professional will observe your child's body reactions and make adjustments until they discover the most effective dosage. These medicines are extremely effective and can have side effects, from irritability and sleep issues to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is a central nervous system stimulant. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also increases your concentration and decreases anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death for those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disturbances high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also cause a slight increase in the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. This can be a problem in the event of a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems and your doctor will be on watch over your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. They can also impact behavior which is particularly difficult for children who are taking the drug. In some cases it can trigger the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow growth in children and adolescents. However, this is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
This medication is available in a variety of forms, but only with a prescription. The medication can be taken in the form of a tablet that can be chewed, dissolved, or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule which is then opened and sprinkled over liquid or food items. Some people choose to use a formula that is short-acting and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term, which requires more dose.
This medication can interact with other medications like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It could also increase your or your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications can interact with other drugs or substances. This could alter the effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all the other medications you or your child taking, including prescription drugs and supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is particularly relevant for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, including suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's syndrome or high pressure. It can also cause the onset of Tourette syndrome or tics in people with these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate given to medication responders during stop-and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC) and striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the subactivation in the same areas during the placebo and off-medicament conditions.
These results support the notion that methylphenidate exerts its effects on behavior through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest the mechanism is more complex than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, in particular, are believed to block dopamine reuptake process in certain regions such as the striatum, but not in other regions like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients, however, the combination did not work like one medication. Most people don't require medication to deal with ADHD. Many people can develop better ways to cope through therapy for behavior and training.
Clinical trials have not confirmed that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two medications are chemically similar, which means they should have the same effect on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. But, as with any drug that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large quantities, an overdose can occur. This could lead to stroke, heart attack or coma, as well as other serious medical issues. Being aware of the signs of an Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking the appropriate steps to seek medical assistance.
adhd for adults medication can be caused in various ways. A person may take too many pills due to the fact that they forgot to redose their medication. They could also be taking other substances that may interfere with the drug and enhance its effects or they could be using it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to properly dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. Therefore those with an history of abuse of stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. First responders should be aware of the dose, the time it was taken and if they've taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will be able to determine the best treatment for the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, which is used to remove any excess substance from the body prior to it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by a medical professional. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. In addition, the patient may be given activated charcoal to stop any further substance from entering the body. If they feel hot, the medical staff can cool them down with fans and mists of water to avoid hyperthermia.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin put it in a place where children can't reach it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Also, don't keep any expired or unused medication. Instead, mix the expired medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.