ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat ADHD. It is used to treat it. It works by improving the way the parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can cause side effects such as a reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. The majority of these side effects are minor and will go away on their own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase levels of dopamine, norepinephrine 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 believed to be safe in recommended dosages when taken under the guidance of a physician.
However, there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is taken in therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess the risk for each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also crucial to educate the patient and their family members about the dangers and the need for proper disposal of any unused medication. It is best to use an enclosed medicine cabinet which will prevent children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication can cause suicidal thoughts or feelings especially for those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental health history. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which could cause stroke or heart problems. If you feel chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating call your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease, sudden death, or any time you've had a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication may cause numbness and pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It isn't known whether the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. However many doctors prefer 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 individuals have reported that this medication performs better than others, but this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proved scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children respond differently to generic versus name-brand methylphenidate, but this is not necessarily true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the right dose when beginning medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments in order to find the most effective medication. These medicines are extremely effective and can cause side effects, ranging from irritability to sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a nerve system stimulant, which has methylphenidate as the active ingredient. It is a stimulant that increases levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also increases your concentration and decreases anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including strokes and sudden deaths in those who suffer from certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure, as well as a history or cardiac arrest 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 can be a problem in the event of a preexisting heart condition or heart problems and your doctor will keep a close check on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety as well as depression. They can also affect behavior, which can be especially difficult for children who are taking the medication. 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 the growth in children and teenagers. However, this is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
The medication is available in a variety of forms, but only by prescription. It could be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolving or a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food or a liquid. Some people use a formula that is short-acting and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term, which requires a higher dose.
This medication could interact with other medications, such as antidepressants or monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It could also increase your or your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other drugs or substances. This can alter the effects. Certain interactions could be harmful, even deadly. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medicines you or your child are taking, including prescription drugs as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for those who suffer from circulatory issues, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or high pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
A few fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC), and striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of underactivation when compared to non-medication and placebo conditions in the same regions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate elicits its effect on behavior by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest the mechanism is more complicated than an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake in specific areas such as the striatum, but not in other regions like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce symptoms of ADHD in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination didn't work as well as one drug. adhd treatment without medication don't need medication to cope with ADHD. Training in skills and behavior therapy can help many people learn more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
There are reports that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form, but this has not been confirmed by clinical studies. The two drugs are chemically similar, which means they are likely to have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin is a stimulant of the central nervous system that improves focus, concentration and mood when taken according to the prescription. It has also been proven effective in treating ADD/ADHD as well as the disorder known as narcolepsy. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in stroke, heart attack or coma. Being aware of symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is vital to preventing these symptoms and taking the necessary action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of reasons. One could accidentally take too many pills because they did not remember to redose their medication. Other substances may interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they could be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can also cause tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. As a result those with a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. 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 be able to more accurately decide on the best way to treat the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures, so anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. Activated charcoal is also administered to the patient in order to stop the drug from circulating into the body. If they are feeling hot, the hospital staff can cool them down with fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you're prescribed Ritalin, make sure to keep it in a secure area where children cannot get it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Don't keep expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.