ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It improves the way the parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can trigger side effects, such as sleepiness and a lack of appetite. However, the majority of these are mild and disappear by themselves 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 decades and is considered safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the supervision of a doctor.
However there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is administered in therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors should evaluate each patient for the risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also crucial to educate the patient and their family members about the dangers and the necessity of proper disposal of any unneeded medication. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is ideal since it prevents children from accessing and taking doses that are not needed. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, particularly in people who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental illness history. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure which can lead to stroke or heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you have a high heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have is a family history of heart disease, sudden death, or any time you've had bleeding or stroke issues. This medication can alter your blood circulation and cause the sensation of numbness or pain to your fingers or toes. It can also make it hard 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 because of its effectiveness and safety. It is important to remember that this medication can be misused and should never be given to someone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than other. However this is only anecdotal evidence and has not yet been scientifically proved. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus name-brand, but this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the right dose when beginning treatment for ADHD. A healthcare professional will observe the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments to find the most effective medication. These powerful medications can cause side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant, which has methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, chemicals associated control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems including strokes and sudden deaths in those who suffer from certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest and cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can cause a decreased appetite and weight loss. It may also cause a slight increase in your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. If you have heart issues or an existing medical condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect the way you behave which is particularly difficult for children who are just starting to take the drug. In some cases it can cause symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also cause a slowing of growth for children and teens. However, this is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are several forms of this medication, which are available by prescription only. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule which is then 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 a higher dose.
This medication can interact with other medications like antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication can increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma which is a potentially fatal adverse side result.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other medications and substances, which can alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child is taking, including prescription drugs as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. adhd and depression medication is particularly true for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts, seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by those who suffer from circulatory issues such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It may also cause more symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Some fMRI research has found that an acute dose of methylphenidate given to medication responders 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 with normalization of the subactivation in the same areas during non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results show that methylphenidate enhances performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest the mechanism is more complicated than an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake process in certain regions, such the striatum but not in other areas, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants reduced ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases, however, the combination did not perform like one drug. The majority of 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 brand-name Ritalin is more efficient than generic Ritalin, but this has not been confirmed by clinical studies. The two medications are chemically similar, which means they should have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a stimulant of the central nervous system that can help improve concentration, focus, and mood when used according to the prescribed dosage. It has also been found to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and the disorder known as narcolepsy. However, like all substances that alters the brain, if misused or taken in large quantities, an overdoses can occur. This can result in stroke, heart attack, or coma. Being aware of the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is crucial to preventing these symptoms and taking the appropriate action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of reasons. For example, someone may overdose because they forget to take a dose re-supplement. They might also consume other substances that may interact with the drug and increase its effects or they could be using it recreationally and not know how to dose it correctly. Long-term Ritalin use can also lead to tolerance and psychological dependency that can lead addiction. As a result, those who have an history of abuse of stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. First responders should be aware of the dose, when it was taken, and if they have taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will determine the best course of action to do to treat the patient. They usually perform a stomach pump (a procedure called gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drug from the body before they are absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical experts. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. Activated charcoal may also be administered to the patient to stop the drug from entering the body. If they are feeling hot, the staff at the hospital can cool them down with fans and mists of water to avoid hyperthermia.
If you are prescribed Ritalin ensure that you store it in a safe place where children are not able to reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist about a take-back program. Don't keep expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.