ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves the way the parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can cause negative side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of these are minor and will go away by themselves or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating motivation actions, cognition, and motivation. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for many years and is considered safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the guidance of a physician.
However there are reports of misuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Physicians must determine each patient's risk and monitor their symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also essential to inform patients and their families about the dangers and the need for proper disposal of any leftover medication. It is best to use an enclosed medicine cabinet, which prevents children from taking unneeded medication. It is also a great idea to tell patients not to give their medication to anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal feelings or thoughts, especially in those who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental illness history. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which could result in heart attacks or strokes. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating, consult your physician immediately. Inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever suffered from any kind of bleeding or stroke. This medication may alter your blood circulation, causing the sensation of numbness or pain to your toes or fingers. It can also make it hard to fall asleep.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medication is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name version because of its security and effectiveness. It is important to remember that this medication can be misused and should never be administered to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than other. However, this is only anecdotal evidence and is not yet scientifically verified. 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 find the appropriate dose when you start medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare professional will observe your child's body reactions and make adjustments until they can find the most effective medication. These medicines are extremely effective and can cause side effects, ranging from irritability to sleep issues to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also improves your concentration and decreases anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin can trigger serious heart issues, including strokes and sudden deaths for those who suffer from certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure, as well as the possibility of cardiac arrest and cardiovascular disease.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also increase your or your child's blood pressure and pulse rate little. This could be a concern when you have a prior heart condition or other heart issues and your doctor will be on watch over your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, like depression and anxiety. These side effects can affect children's behavior, which is especially difficult for those who are young. In certain instances, it may cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive sounds or movements such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in children and adolescents. It is usually temporary and doesn't alter their height at the end of the day.
The medication is available in several forms, but only by prescription. medication for adhd adults can be taken in the form of a tablet that can be chewed, dissolved, or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule which is opened and sprinkled on food or liquid. Some people make use of an ingredient that acts quickly and lasts between three and six hours. Some people take it for a longer time, which requires an increased dosage.
This medication could interact with other medications, like antidepressants and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication may increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma which is a potentially fatal adverse side result.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other drugs and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions can be harmful or even fatal. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you and your child is taking, such as supplements and vitamins, as well as prescription drugs. Ritalin can interact with other antidepressants. This is particularly true for those that contain monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts and actions, seizures, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in people who have these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate administered to patients responding to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC), and striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation when compared to placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results support the idea that methylphenidate elicits its effect on behavior by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, other studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in certain areas, such as the striatum, but not in others, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination didn't perform as well as one medication. Most people don't need medication to manage ADHD. Training in skills and behavior therapy can help a lot of people develop more effective strategies for coping.
There are reports that brand-name Ritalin is more effective than the generic form, but this has not been proven by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have the same effects on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It has also been proven to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and the disorder known as narcolepsy. But, as with any drug that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large amounts, overdoses can happen. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, coma, and other serious medical issues. Being aware of signs of a Ritalin overdose is critical for stopping these symptoms and taking the necessary steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of factors. One could accidentally take too many pills because they did not remember to refill their prescription. They may also consume other substances that may interfere with the drug and enhance its effects or they may be taking it for recreational purposes and not know how to properly 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 with an history of addiction to drugs.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They should be able to provide the first responders with details about their dosage, when they were taking it, as well as any other drugs or substances they took. The emergency response team will be able to better decide on the best way to treat the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, to remove any excess substance from the body prior to it can be taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by a medical professional. Antiseizure and fluids are a way to treat seizures. Activated charcoal is also given to the patient in order to prevent the drug from entering their body. The hospital staff may cool the patient by using fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you're given Ritalin ensure that you keep it in a secure area where children cannot get it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist about a take-back program. Do not keep any expired or unneeded medication. Mix the unused medicine with cat litter or ground coffee and then throw it away.