ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which reduces ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause adverse effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, most of these are minor and go away on their own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time and is believed to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages taken under the guidance of a doctor.
However there are reports of misuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Doctors must evaluate the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to educate the patient and their family members about the dangers and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. Using a locked medication box is ideal, as this will stop children from accessing and taking doses that are not needed. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal feelings or thoughts, particularly in people who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental illness history. Talk with your doctor right now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure that can cause strokes or heart issues. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Also, 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 issue or stroke. This medication can affect blood circulation, causing the sensation of numbness or pain to your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not known if the brand-name version is more effective than the generic version. However, many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version due its safety record and effectiveness. This medication is susceptible to abuse, and should not be administered to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some claim that this medication is more effective than other. However this is only anecdotal evidence, and is not yet scientifically proven. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to name-brand, but this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD, it takes some time to determine the appropriate dose. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's or your own's bodily reactions and adjust until they can find the most effective medication. These powerful medications can cause adverse reactions that range from irritability, sleep problems and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that contains methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also increases your concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death, in those with certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disorders as well as high blood pressure and an history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also raise the blood pressure and pulse rate little. This could be a concern in the event of a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems, so your doctor will keep a close watch over your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect the way you behave, which can be especially difficult for young children taking the medication. In certain instances it can trigger symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow 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 a variety of types of this medication, which are available by prescription only. It can be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed on or dissolved, a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food items or a liquid. Some people choose to take a formula that acts in a short time and lasts between three and six hours, while others use it long-term and need more dose.
This medication can interact with other medications, like antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It can also increase your your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other drugs and substances, which can alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful, even deadly. Inform your doctor about any other medications you and your child are taking, including vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well as hallucinations, seizures, and seizures. Ritalin is not recommended for those with issues with circulation like Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It may also cause more symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
A few fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose methylphenidate administered to patients responding to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the subactivation in the same areas during 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 levels, which enhance performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral studies suggest the mechanism is more complicated than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. add adhd medication , specifically, are believed to block dopamine reuptake process in certain regions such as the striatum, but not in other areas, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination didn't work like one medication. The majority of people don't require medication to deal with ADHD. Behavior therapy and skills training can assist many people in learning better coping strategies.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically same, so they should both have the same effects on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It can also be effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. But, as with any drug that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large amounts, overdoses can occur. This can result in stroke, heart attack or even coma. Being aware of the signs of a Ritalin overdose is vital to preventing these symptoms and taking the appropriate steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in a variety of ways. For example, someone may overdose because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. Other substances may interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they could be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to dose it. Long-term Ritalin usage can lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those who have an history of addiction to drugs.
Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dosage, when it was taken and if they've consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to more accurately determine how to treat the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a process called gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medication can be used to treat seizures. In adult adhd medication , the patient might be given activated charcoal to block any more of the drug from entering the body. If they feel hot, the hospital staff can cool them down using fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin put it in an area where children can't reach it. You may also ask your pharmacist about a take-back program. Lastly, do not keep any unused or expired medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.