ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat ADHD. It is used to treat it. It works by improving the way the parts of the brain communicate, which can reduce ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can cause side effects, such as sleepiness and a lack of appetite. However, the majority of these are minor and disappear on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for many years and is considered to be safe in recommended dosages when taken under the guidance of a physician.
Nevertheless there have been medication for add adults of abuse and addiction even when the drug is used at therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families on this risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. It is recommended to use an enclosed medicine cabinet that will stop children from consuming unneeded medication. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share the medication with anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in people who are bipolar, depressed or have a history of mental illness. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which could cause heart or stroke. Get your doctor's attention immediately when you experience a high heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have is any family history of heart disease, sudden death or having suffered bleeding or stroke issues. This medication can cause numbness and discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version is more efficient than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name version because of its safety and effectiveness. It is also important to remember that this medication could be misused and should never be administered to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However, this is only anecdotal evidence that has not yet been scientifically proved. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to brand name, however this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the appropriate dose when you start treatment for ADHD. A healthcare professional will observe the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments in order to find the most effective treatment. These medications are potent and may cause adverse consequences, ranging from irritability and sleep disorders to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that has methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, chemicals associated control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin can trigger serious heart problems including strokes and sudden deaths for those with certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure, as well as the possibility of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also raise your your child's blood pressure and pulse rate slightly. This could be a problem when you have a prior heart condition or heart problems and your doctor will keep close watch over your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety as well as depression. They can also impact behavior, which can be especially difficult for children who are taking the medication. In certain instances it can trigger the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. However this is usually only temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
There are a variety of types of this medication, which are available by prescription only. It can be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed on or dissolved in a capsule opened and sprinkled on food items or a liquid. Some people use a formula that is short-acting and lasts between three and six hours. Some people take it for a longer time and require an increased dose.
This medication can interact with other medications such as antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It may also increase your or your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other medications and substances, which can alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child is taking, such as vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Ritalin can interact with some antidepressants. This is especially relevant for those that contain monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors or hallucinations, seizures, or even seizures. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It may also aggravate symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics for those who have these conditions.
Some fMRI research has found that an acute dose methylphenidate administered to patients responding to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the reduced activation in the same areas during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate improves performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, other research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake in certain areas, such the striatum but not in other areas like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. However, in a few patients the combination didn't perform as well as a single drug. There is no one-stop treatment for ADHD and the majority of people don't require them to live with the disorder. Skills training and behavior therapy can assist many people in learning more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
Some people anecdotally report that the name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been confirmed by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically identical, so they are likely to 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 taken as prescribed. It can also be effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. However, like all substances that alters the brain, if it is misused or taken in large quantities, an overdose can occur. This can result in stroke, heart attack or coma. Recognizing the symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is vital to preventing these symptoms and taking action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in various ways. One could accidentally consume too many pills since they did not remember to redose their medication. They may also consume other substances that could affect the drug and increase its effects or they may be using it recreationally and aren't aware of how to dose it properly. Additionally, long-term use of Ritalin can result in addiction and psychological dependence which can lead to addiction. In the end people with an history of abuse of stimulants or other drugs should use Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should be aware of the dosage, when it was taken, and if they have consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will then better determine what to do to help the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. They are treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. In addition, the patient might be given activated charcoal to stop any further substance from entering the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists cool water if they feel hot.
If you're given Ritalin be sure to store it in a secure area where children cannot get it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Do not keep any expired or unneeded medication. Mix the medicine that is not used with cat litter or ground coffee and then throw it away.