ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps improve brain communication, which reduces ADHD.
ADHD medications can have side effects such as a diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. The majority of these side effects are minor and will fade on their o own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in 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 in recommended dosages when taken under the guidance of a doctor.
However, there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess the risk for each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is essential to inform patients and family members of the dangers of unused medications and the need to appropriately dispose of them. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is ideal, as this prevents children from accessing and taking doses that are not needed. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings particularly in people who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental health history. Talk with your doctor right now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication can also cause an increase in blood pressure, which can lead to stroke or heart issues. Call your doctor right away when you experience an elevated heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Also, inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have ever had any type of bleeding or stroke. This medication can affect blood circulation and cause the sensation of numbness or pain to your toes and fingers. It can also make it hard to sleep.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. However, many doctors prefer the brand-name version due to its history of safety and effectiveness. It is important to keep in mind that this medication is a risk to abused and should never be administered to a person who is not suffering from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence, and has not yet been scientifically verified. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus brand name, however this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
When you begin medication to treat ADHD, it takes some time to find the right dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's or your own's bodily reactions and make adjustments until they discover the most effective dosage. These medications are potent and may cause adverse effects, ranging from irritability to sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a nerve system stimulant that has methylphenidate as the active ingredient. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, such as sudden death and stroke in those with certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and an underlying heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. medication for adult adhd may also raise the blood pressure and pulse rate slightly. This could be a concern in the event of a preexisting heart condition or heart problems, so your doctor will be on eye on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. They can also impact behavior that can be particularly difficult for children who are just starting to take the drug. 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 adolescents and children. However, this is usually temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
This medication is available in various forms, but only by prescription. The medication is available in the form of a tablet that is chewed, dissolving or swallowed. It is also available in the form of a capsule, that is opened and sprinkled over liquid or food items. Some people choose to 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 may interact with other drugs including monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication can increase the risk of glaucoma caused by angle closure which could be a fatal adverse consequence.
Interactions
Many medications can interact with other drugs or substances. This could alter the effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. You should inform your doctor about all the other medications you or your child taking, including over-the-counter medicines as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin is known to interact with 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 and actions or hallucinations, seizures, or even seizures. Ritalin should not be taken by those with circulatory issues such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It may also aggravate symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in people who have these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that a high dose of methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and striatum. These changes were also accompanied by normalization of the underactivation in the same areas during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results support that methylphenidate improves performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. medications for adhd and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in certain regions, like the striatum, but not in others, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients, however, the combination did not work as well as one drug. Most people don't require medication to cope with ADHD. Behavior therapy and skills training can help many people learn more effective strategies for coping.
There are reports that brand-name Ritalin is more effective than the generic version, but this has not been confirmed by clinical trials. Both drugs are chemically identical, and therefore should both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It has also been found to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and the disorder known as narcolepsy. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if misused or used in large doses, overdose can occur. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, or coma. Being aware of symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is crucial to preventing these symptoms and taking step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of factors. For example, someone may have a mishap and take too much medication because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. They might also consume other substances that may affect the drug and increase its effects or they could be using it for recreational purposes and not know how to properly dose it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin can lead to dependence and tolerance that could lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those with a history of drug abuse.
Contact 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They must be able to give the emergency responders specific details regarding the dosage, the time they were taking it, as well as any other medications or substances they consumed. The emergency response team can determine the best course of action to do to help the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, which is used to remove any excess substance from the body prior to it is taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, so anyone suffering from these symptoms should be carefully monitored by a medical professional. They are treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. In addition, the patient might be given activated charcoal to prevent any more of the drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient with fans or mists of chilled water if they are feeling hot.
If you are prescribed Ritalin ensure that you store it in a safe area where children cannot get it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Don't keep expired or unused medication. Mix the medicine you don't need with cat litter or ground coffee and throw it out.