ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves brain communication, which reduces ADHD.
ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, like reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and will go away on their o own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, 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 safe in recommended dosages when taken under the supervision by a physician.
However, there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is administered in therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess each patient's risk and monitor their symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also crucial to inform patients and their families about the dangers and the need for proper disposal of any leftover medication. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is a good idea, since it prevents children from accessing and taking doses that are not needed. It is also a great idea to tell 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 are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can cause strokes or heart problems. If you feel chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating consult your physician immediately. Inform your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have ever had any type of bleeding or stroke. This medication can cause numbness and pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It is not known if the brand-name version is more efficient than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication because of its effectiveness and safety. It is also important to note that this medication could be abused and should never be given to someone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication is more effective than other medications, but this is only anecdotal and hasn't been proven scientifically. Some parents have said that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, however this is not necessarily true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the correct dose when starting medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments in order to find the most effective medication. These powerful medications can trigger side effects ranging from sleep disorders, irritability and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that contains methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death in people with certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disturbances as well as high blood pressure and 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 the blood pressure and pulse rate little. This can 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 adverse effects include changes in mood, like depression and anxiety. These side effects can also affect the behavior of children, which is particularly difficult for children who are young. In some instances, it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in adolescents and children. This is usually temporary, and doesn't affect their final height.
The medication is available in a variety of forms, but only on prescription. It can be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolved, a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or in a liquid. Some people use a formula that acts in a short time and lasts between three and six hours, while others use it for a longer time and require a higher dose.
This medication can interact with other medications including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It could also increase your 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 can change the effects. Certain interactions could be harmful or even fatal. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child take, including supplements and vitamins, as well as prescription medications. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. This can lead to severe side effects, including suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by people who have issues with circulation, such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It may also cause more symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
adult adhd medication have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum 25. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the underactivation in the same regions under the placebo and off-medicament conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate causes its behavioral effect through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. adhd and medication and behavioral data suggest the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, are believed to block dopamine reuptake in specific areas, such the striatum but not in other areas, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in certain patients the combination did not perform as well as the single drug. Most people don't need medication to manage ADHD. Training in skills and behavior therapy can assist many people in learning better coping strategies.
A few people have reported that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form, but this has not been confirmed by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It is also effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or taken in large doses, overdose can occur. This can result in heart attack, stroke, or even coma. Being aware of the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is critical for stopping these symptoms and taking steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in various ways. Someone may accidentally take too many pills because they didn't remember to redose their medication. They could also be taking other substances that may interfere with the drug and enhance its effects or they may be using it for recreational purposes and not know how to dose it correctly. Long-term Ritalin use can also result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with an addiction history.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. They should be able give the emergency responders specific details regarding the dosage, the time they used it, and the other drugs or substances they consumed. The emergency response team can determine the best course of action to do to treat the person. They usually pump the stomach (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to remove any excess drugs from the body before they are absorption into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures, so anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medication are a way to treat seizures. In addition, the person may be given activated charcoal to block any further drug from circulating in the body. If they feel hot, the hospital staff can cool them down by using fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin put it in a place in a place where children aren't able to reach it. You may also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Do not keep any expired or unneeded medication. Instead, mix the unused medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.