ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It improves the way that parts of the brain communicate, which can reduce ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can cause side effects, such as suppressed appetite and trouble sleeping. However, the majority of these are mild and go away on their own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant and has been used since decades. It is considered to be safe when used in the dosages recommended under the supervision of a doctor.
However there are reports of the abuse of this drug as well as reports of addiction even at the therapeutic dosage level. Doctors must evaluate the risk of each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is important to inform patients as well as their family members about the dangers of unused medications and the need to properly get rid of them. It is recommended to use an enclosed medicine cabinet, which prevents children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may cause suicidal thoughts or behaviors especially in those who are depressed, bipolar or have an history of mental illness. Discuss with your doctor right now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which could cause heart or stroke. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Tell 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 may alter your blood circulation, causing the sensation of numbness or pain to your toes or fingers. It can also make it hard to sleep.
It is not clear whether the brand-name version of this medication is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name version because of its effectiveness and safety. It is important to keep in mind that this medication is a risk to abused and should never be administered to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However, this is only anecdotal evidence and has not yet been 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
When starting medications to treat ADHD, it takes some time to determine the appropriate dosage. A healthcare professional will observe your child's or your own's bodily reactions and adjust until they discover the most effective dosage. These medicines are powerful and can cause side effects, ranging from irritability to sleep issues to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems including strokes and sudden deaths for people who suffer from certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure as well as a history or heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It can also slightly increase your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. This can be a problem if you have a preexisting heart condition or other heart issues, so your doctor will keep close eye on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes in mood, like depression and anxiety. These effects can affect children's behavior, which can be especially difficult for those who are young. In some cases it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. However, this is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are medications for adhd in adults of this medication which are available by prescription only. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It is also available in the form of a capsule, which is opened and sprinkled on liquid or food items. Some people use a formula that acts in a short time and lasts for about three to six hours, while others use it for a longer time and require a higher dosage.
This medication may interact with certain other drugs, such as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It may also increase your or your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other drugs and substances, which could alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous, even deadly. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you or your child are taking, including supplements and vitamins, as well as prescription medications. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended by those who suffer from circulatory issues such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics for those who have these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate in medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum 25. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the subactivation in the same regions during the placebo and off-medicament conditions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate can improve performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, other research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in specific areas, like the striatum, but not in other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients, however, the combination did not perform as well as a single drug. Most people don't require medication to cope with ADHD. Many people can develop more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy and training.
There are reports that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form, but this has not been confirmed by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically identical, so they should have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can boost 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 it is misused or used in large doses, overdoses can occur. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, coma, and other serious medical problems. It is crucial to recognize the signs of an overdose on Ritalin in order to prevent these symptoms and seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in many ways. Someone may accidentally take too many pills because they forgot to refill their prescription. They might also consume other substances that can affect the drug and increase its effects or they may be taking it for recreational purposes and not know how to dose it correctly. Long-term Ritalin usage can cause tolerance and psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. In the end, those who have a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
Anyone suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. They should be able give the emergency responders details about the dosage, the time they took it, and what other drugs or substances they consumed. The emergency response team will be able to more accurately decide on the best way to treat the patient. Typically, medications for adhd will pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, to remove any excess drugs from the body before it is taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medication are a way to treat seizures. Additionally, the patient could be treated with activated charcoal to block any further drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin, store it in a location in a place where children aren't able to reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Lastly, do not keep any expired or unusable medication. Mix the unused medicine with ground coffee or cat litter and dispose of it.