ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can cause adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. The majority of these side effects are mild and will disappear on their o own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for a long time. It is considered safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the supervision of a physician.
However, there are reports of the abuse of this drug as well as reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Therefore, physicians need to evaluate each patient for the risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also crucial to inform patients and their families about the risk of harm and the need for proper disposal of any unneeded medication. It is recommended to use an enclosed medicine cabinet which will prevent children from consuming unneeded medication. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal feelings or thoughts, especially in those who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression or have a mental illness history. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure that can lead to stroke or heart problems. Call your doctor right away if you have an increased heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have ever suffered from any kind of bleeding or stroke. This medication can cause numbness and discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not known if the brand-name version of this medication is more efficient than the generic version. However many doctors prefer the brand-name version due its safety record and effectiveness. It is also important to note that this medication is a risk to misused and should not be administered to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people have reported that this medication is more effective than other medications, but this is just anecdotal evidence and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus name-brand, but this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dose. medications for adhd will monitor your child's or your own's bodily reactions and adjust until they can find the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can cause side effects ranging from sleep issues, irritability and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate, and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It is a stimulant that increases levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also improves concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death in those with certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disorders high blood pressure, an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also increase your your child's pulse rate and blood pressure slightly. If you have heart problems or a pre-existing health condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, such as depression and anxiety. These effects can affect children's behavior, which is particularly challenging for children who are still young. In certain instances, it may cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in children and adolescents. This is usually temporary and doesn't alter their height at the end of the day.
There are a variety of forms of this medication, that are available on prescription only. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolving or swallowed. It is also available in the form of a capsule which is then opened and sprinkled on food or liquid. Some people take an instant-acting formulation that lasts between three and six hours, whereas others take it long-term and require a higher dose.
This medication could interact with other medications like antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It can also increase your or your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other drugs or substances. This can alter their effects. Certain interactions can be harmful or even fatal. You should inform your doctor about all the other medications you or your child taking, including prescription drugs and supplements and vitamins. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can lead to severe side effects, including suicidal ideas or actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended by people who have issues with circulation, such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
Some fMRI research has found 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 striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of underactivation during the placebo and off-medication states in the same regions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate causes its behavioral effect by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, additional fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in certain areas, such the striatum but not in other areas, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients however, the combination did not work like one medication. Most people don't need medication to cope with ADHD. Many people can learn better coping skills through behavior therapy and skill training.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically the same, so they should both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a central nervous system stimulant that can improve focus, concentration and mood when taken according to the prescribed dosage. It has also been shown to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD as well as the disorder known as narcolepsy. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This could lead to heart attack, stroke or coma, as well as other serious medical issues. It is essential to be aware of the signs of an overdose on Ritalin to avoid these symptoms and seek medical attention.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of factors. A person may take too many pills due to the fact that they forgot to refill their prescription. Other substances may interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they may be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can also result in tolerance and a psychological dependency that can lead addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have an addiction history.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. They must be able to give the emergency responders details about the dosage, the time they took it, and what other drugs or substances they took. The emergency response team will then be able to better decide on the best way to treat the patient. They usually use the stomach pump (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to remove any excess drug from the body before they are absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by a medical professional. 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 entering the body. If they are feeling hot, the hospital staff can cool them down using fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin keep it in a location that is secure and where children cannot access it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Don't keep expired or unused medication. Mix the medicine that is not used with ground coffee or cat litter and throw it out.