ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It improves brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause negative side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty 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 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 supervision by a physician.
However there are reports of misuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at the therapeutic dosage level. Physicians must determine each patient's risk and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to educate patients and their families about the risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. adhd adults medication is best to utilize a locked medicine box which will prevent children from consuming unneeded medication. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share this 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 health history. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which could cause heart or stroke. If you experience chest pain, a rapid 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 bleeding or stroke issues. This medication could affect your blood circulation and cause numbness or pain in your toes and fingers. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep.
It is not known whether the brand-name version is more efficient than its generic counterpart. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its proven safety and effectiveness. It is also important to note that this medication can be misused and should never be administered to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people have reported that this medication works better than others, however this is only anecdotal and hasn't been proved scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to the brand name, but this might not be true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the correct dose when starting treatment for ADHD. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments in order to find the most effective treatment. These medicines are extremely effective and can cause side consequences, ranging from irritability and sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that has methylphenidate as the active ingredient. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death in people with certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disorders high blood pressure, an history of cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also raise the blood pressure and pulse rate little. This can be a problem when you have a prior heart condition or other heart issues and your doctor will keep close check on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, such as depression and anxiety. They can also affect behavior, which can be especially difficult for young children taking the medication. In some cases it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repeated sounds or movements such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in adolescents and children. It is usually temporary and doesn't alter their height in the future.
This medication is available in various forms, but only by prescription. The medication can be taken as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule, which is opened and sprinkled over food or liquid. Some people make use of 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 dosage.
This medication can interact with other drugs, such as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication can also increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma, a potentially deadly adverse side result.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other medications and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should inform your doctor about all the other medications you or your child taking, including prescription drugs as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin can interact with other antidepressants. This is particularly the case for those with monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can lead to severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts or actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people with issues with circulation such as Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks enhanced activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were also accompanied by normalization of the reduced activation in the same areas during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate can improve performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. However, additional studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Particularly, psychostimulants are believed to block the reuptake of dopamine in some areas, like the striatum, but not in other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in certain patients the combination didn't work as well as the single drug. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD, and most people don't require medication to manage the condition. Many people are able to develop better coping skills through behavior therapy and skill training.
A few people have reported that name-brand Ritalin is more efficient than generic Ritalin, but this has not been confirmed by clinical studies. Both drugs are chemically same, so they should both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin is a stimulant of the central nervous system that improves concentration, focus, and mood when used according to the prescribed dosage. It is also effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to stroke, heart attack or coma. Recognizing the signs of an Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking the necessary action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of causes. For instance, a person could overdose because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. They may also consume other substances that could interact with the drug and increase its effects or they could be using it recreationally and not know how to dose it properly. Long-term Ritalin use can cause tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have an history of addiction to drugs.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. They should be able to provide the emergency personnel with details about the dosage, the time they used it, and the other medications or substances they consumed. The emergency response team will be able to more accurately decide on the best way to treat the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, which is used to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures. People who experience these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical experts. They can be treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. In addition, the patient might be given activated charcoal to stop any more of the drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient by using fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you're prescribed Ritalin be sure to keep it in a secure location where children cannot reach it. You may also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Also, don't keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.