ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It helps improve brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause negative side effects like diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. The majority of these side effects are mild and will fade 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 and has been used since decades. It is considered safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the guidance of your physician.
However there are reports of misuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Physicians must determine the risk of each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is crucial to inform patients and family members of the dangers of unused medications and the need to properly dispose of them. It is recommended to use a locked medicine container which will prevent children from accidentally taking unused medication. It's also a great idea to remind patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal feelings or thoughts, especially for those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental health history. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which can cause heart or stroke. If you feel chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, or excessive sweating, contact your doctor immediately. Also tell your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've previously suffered any type of bleeding or stroke. medication for adhd adults can affect your blood circulation, causing 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 of the product is more effective than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication due to its safety and effectiveness. It is important to note that this medication is a risk to misused and should never be given to someone who isn't suffering from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than others. However this is only anecdotal evidence that has not yet been scientifically proved. Some parents have reported that their children respond differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, but this is not necessarily true for every child.
Side effects
It takes time to find the appropriate dose when you start medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and adjust until they discover the most effective treatment. These powerful medicines can cause side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that has methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can trigger serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden deaths in patients with certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure and a history or cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin as with other stimulant medications, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It can also slightly increase your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. If you suffer from heart problems or an existing condition Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include changes in mood, like anxiety and depression. They can also impact behavior, which can be especially difficult for children who are taking the medication. In some cases it can trigger symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive movements and sounds, such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow down growth in children and adolescents. However this is usually only temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
There are several kinds of this medication which are available by prescription only. The medication can be taken as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule, that is opened and sprinkled on liquid or food items. Some people use an ingredient that acts quickly and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term which requires an increased dose.
This medication could interact with other medications like antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication may also increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma, a potentially deadly adverse result.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other drugs or substances. This can change the effects. Certain interactions could be harmful or even fatal. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child taking, including over-the-counter medicines as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is particularly relevant for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, such as suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by those who suffer from circulatory problems like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
A few fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose methylphenidate given to medication responders during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of underactivation when compared to the placebo and off-medication states in the same regions.
These results support the notion that methylphenidate exerts its effects on behavior by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. However, additional fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake in specific areas like 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. However, in certain patients the combination did not work as well as the single drug. Most people don't need medication to deal with ADHD. Many people can learn better ways to cope through therapy and training.
Clinical trials have not confirmed that the brand name 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, more commonly known as Ritalin is a stimulant of the central nervous system that can improve focus, concentration, and mood when used according to the prescription. It has also been shown to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and the disorder known as narcolepsy. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in stroke, heart attack, or coma. It is important to be aware of the signs of an overdose Ritalin in order to prevent these symptoms and seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in many ways. Someone may accidentally consume too many pills since they did not remember to take a dose retake. Other substances may interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they may be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to do it. Long-term Ritalin usage can result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those who have an history of addiction to drugs.
Anyone suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. They must be able to provide the emergency personnel with specific details regarding the dosage, the time they used it, and the other medications or substances they took. The emergency response team can determine what they should do to help the patient. They usually pump the stomach (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to remove any excess drug from the body before they are absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical experts. Fluids and antiseizure medications can be used to treat seizures. Activated charcoal can also be administered to the patient in order to stop the drugs from entering the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists cool water if they feel hot.
If you are prescribed Ritalin be sure to keep it in a secure place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Also, don't keep any unused or expired medication. Mix the medicine that is not used with ground coffee or cat litter and dispose of it.