ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which reduces ADHD.
ADHD medication can cause side effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, most of these are mild and will go away by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for a long time. It is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the supervision of a physician.
However there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is used at therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess the risk for each patient and monitor their symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also crucial to inform patients and their families about the dangers and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. A locked medicine box is a good idea, since it prevents children from accessing and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also a great idea to tell patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts, or actions, especially in people who are bipolar, depressed or have an history of mental illness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which can cause stroke or heart problems. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if there is any family history of heart disease, sudden death or if you've ever had an accident or suffered from bleeding issues. This medication could alter your blood circulation, causing the sensation of numbness or pain to your toes or fingers. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep.
It isn't known whether the brand-name version of the product is more efficient than its generic counterpart. However, many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version due to its proven safety and effectiveness. This medication can be abused, and should not be given to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than others. However, this is only anecdotal evidence, and has not yet been scientifically verified. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate than brand name, however this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the correct dose when starting medication to treat ADHD. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to find the most effective treatment. These medications are potent and can cause side effects, ranging from irritability to sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that contains methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. These are chemicals that help with control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and reduces anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden death for those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and an underlying heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin as with other stimulant medications, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also raise your your child's pulse rate and blood pressure little. If you have heart issues or an existing health condition Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety as well as depression. These side effects can affect children's behavior, which is particularly difficult for children who are still young. In some cases it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive sounds or movements such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow the growth in children and teenagers. medication for adhd adults is usually temporary and does not alter their height in the future.
There are several forms of this medication, that are available with a prescription only. It can be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolved or a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or a liquid. Some people use a formula that acts in a short time and lasts between three and six hours, while others use it long-term and need a higher dosage.
This medication could interact with other medications, like antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It could also increase your or your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other medications and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful, even deadly. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child taking, including prescription drugs as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin can interact with some antidepressants. This is especially true for those that contain monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts, actions or hallucinations, seizures, or even seizures. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals who suffer from circulatory issues like Raynaud's phenomenon or high pressure. It can also cause the onset of Tourette syndrome or tics for those who have 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, anterior cingulate (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the subactivation in the same regions during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate elicits its effects 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 fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in specific areas, such as the striatum, but not other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants reduced ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases the combination did not work as effectively as one drug. Most people don't require medication to cope with ADHD. Many people can learn better coping skills through therapy for behavior and training.
Some people anecdotally report that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been proven by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically the same, so they should both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It can also be effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if misused or used in large doses, overdoses can occur. This could lead to stroke, heart attack, or coma. It is crucial to recognize the signs of an overdose on Ritalin to avoid these symptoms and seek medical attention.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of reasons. A person may consume too many pills since they didn't remember to take a dose retake. They may also consume other substances that can interact with the drug and increase its effect or they may be using it for recreational purposes and not know how to dose it properly. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin can lead to addiction and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those with a history of drug abuse.
Contact 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dosage, when it was taken and if they've consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will determine the best course of action to do to treat the person. Typically, they pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, which is used to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before it is taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medication can be used to treat them. In addition, the patient could be treated with activated charcoal to prevent any further drug from circulating in the body. If they are feeling hot, the hospital staff can cool them down by using fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you are prescribed Ritalin ensure that you keep it in a secure place where children are not able to reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. Don't keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.