ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which reduces ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause side effects, such as suppressed appetite and trouble sleeping. Most of these side effects are mild and will disappear by themselves or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for many years and is considered safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the supervision by a physician.
Nevertheless there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is administered at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors should evaluate each patient for the risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to educate patients and their families about the dangers and the necessity of proper disposal of any unneeded medication. Using a locked medication box is ideal since it keeps children from gaining access and consuming doses that are not used. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially for those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental health history. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure which can lead to stroke or heart issues. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating contact your doctor immediately. Also, inform your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have previously suffered any type of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication can cause numbness and discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version is more effective than the generic version. However, many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its proven safety and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse, and should not be given to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication works better than others, however this is just anecdotal evidence and hasn't been proven scientifically. Parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus name-brand, but this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the correct dose when starting medication to treat ADHD. A doctor will be able to monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and adjust until they can find the most effective dosage. These medicines are extremely effective and may cause adverse consequences, ranging from irritability and sleep disorders to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a nerve system stimulant that has methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. These are chemicals that help with control and attention. It also improves concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including sudden death and stroke in those with certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and an history of cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can cause a decreased appetite and weight loss. It can also increase your your child's blood pressure and pulse rate little. If you suffer from heart problems or a pre-existing health condition Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include changes in mood, like depression and anxiety. These side effects can also affect the behavior of children, which is particularly challenging for children who are young. In certain instances it can trigger symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also slow growth for children and teens. However this is usually only temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
There are many types of this medication, which are available by prescription only. It could be a tablet swallowed, chewed or dissolving or a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or a liquid. Some people make use of an ingredient that acts quickly and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term, which requires a higher dose.
This medication can interact with other drugs such as antidepressants or monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It may also increase your your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other drugs or substances, which may alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous, even deadly. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child is taking, such as supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter medications. 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 could cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts and actions, seizures, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by those with issues with circulation, such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the striatum 25. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the underactivation in the same regions during the placebo and off-medicament conditions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate enhances performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, additional research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in specific regions, like the striatum, but not other areas, like the frontal lobes.
In add medication adult , a mix between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. However, in certain patients the combination didn't perform as well as the single drug. There is no one-stop treatment for ADHD, and most people do not need medications to manage the condition. Skills training and behavior therapy can help many people learn more effective strategies for coping.
A few people have reported that brand-name Ritalin is more efficient than generic Ritalin however this hasn't been confirmed by clinical trials. Both drugs are chemically the same, which means they will both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can improve mood, focus, and concentration when prescribed. It can also be effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in stroke, heart attack or coma. Recognizing the signs of a Ritalin overdose is vital to the prevention of these symptoms and taking the appropriate step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in many ways. For instance, a person may have a mishap and take too much medication due to the fact that they don't remember to re-dose their medication. They might also consume other substances that could interact with the drug and enhance its effects or they may be using it for recreational purposes and not know how to properly dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can also result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with an addiction history.
Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dose, the time it was taken, and if they have consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team can determine what they should do to help the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, which is known as gastric lavage, to remove any excess substance from the body prior to it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. They can be treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. Activated charcoal is also administered to the patient to stop the drugs from entering the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient by using fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you're prescribed Ritalin, make sure to keep it in a secure location where children cannot reach it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist for a take-back program. Don't keep any unused or expired medicine. Mix the medicine you don't need with cat litter or ground coffee and then throw it away.