ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate, which can reduce ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can cause side effects, such as sleepiness and a lack of appetite. The majority of these side effects are minor and will go away by themselves or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for a long time and is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages taken under the guidance of a physician.
However there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Physicians must determine each patient's risk and monitor their symptoms throughout the treatment. It is crucial to inform patients and family members of the dangers of not using medications and the need to appropriately dispose of them. It is recommended to use an enclosed medicine cabinet, which prevents children from taking unneeded medication. It's also a good idea to tell patients not to give their medication to anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings particularly in people who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental illness history. Consult your doctor now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which can cause stroke or heart problems. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating call your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if there is an ancestor with a history of heart disease, sudden death, or if you've ever had an accident or suffered from bleeding issues. This medication can cause numbness and pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It isn't clear whether the brand-name version of the product is more effective than its generic counterpart. However, many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its history of safety and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse, and should not be administered to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than others. However it is merely anecdotal evidence, and is not yet scientifically proven. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate than name-brand, but this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the right dose when beginning treatment for ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's body reactions and adjust until they can find the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can cause adverse reactions that range from sleep disorders, irritability and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death for those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and an history of cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Ritalin like other stimulant medications can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It can also slightly increase the rate of your child's pulse and blood pressure. If you suffer from heart problems or a pre-existing health condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, like depression and anxiety. These effects can affect children's behavior, which is particularly challenging for children who are still young. In some instances, it can cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repetitive sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. 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.
This medication is available in several forms, but only by prescription. The medication is available in the form of a tablet that is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule, which is opened and sprinkled on food or liquid. Some people use a formula that is short-acting and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term which requires an increased dosage.
This medication can interact with other medications, such as antidepressants or monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It may also increase your your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other medications and substances, which can alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all other medicines you or your child is taking, including over-the-counter medicines and vitamins and supplements. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This could cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well as hallucinations, seizures, and seizures. Ritalin is not recommended for those with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's syndrome or high 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 for medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum 25. These changes were also accompanied by normalization of the reduced activation in the same areas during non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate enhances performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, additional research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, are believed to block dopamine reuptake in specific areas, such the striatum but not in other regions, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients however, the combination did not perform as well as one drug. Most people don't require medication to cope with ADHD. Behavior therapy and skills training can help a lot of people develop more effective strategies for coping.
Some people anecdotally report that the name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic version, but this has not been confirmed by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically identical, so they should have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It can also be effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in heart attack, stroke, coma, and other serious medical problems. Being aware of symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is crucial to stopping these symptoms and taking the necessary action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in many ways. One could accidentally consume too many pills since they forgot to redose their medication. They could also be taking other substances that may interfere with the drug and increase its effect, or they might be taking it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to properly dose it. Long-term Ritalin usage can cause tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with a history of drug abuse.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. They must be able to provide the first responders with details about the dosage, the time they used it, and the other drugs or substances they took. adhd treatment without medication will then better determine what to do to treat the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, which is called gastric lavage, to remove any excess drug from the body before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by a medical professional. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. Activated charcoal can also be administered to the patient in order to prevent the drug from circulating into their body. The hospital staff may cool the patient with fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you're given Ritalin be sure to store it in a safe place where children are not able to reach it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. Also, don't keep any unused or expired medication. Instead, mix the unused medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.