ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medications 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 with time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating motivation, action, and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for many years and is considered safe in recommended dosages when taken under the guidance of a physician.
Nevertheless there have been instances of abuse and addiction even when the drug is used at therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess the risk for each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families about the dangers and the need for proper disposal of any unused medication. It is recommended to use an enclosed medicine cabinet which will prevent children from consuming unneeded medication. It's also a good idea to inform patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may cause suicidal thoughts or actions particularly in those who are bipolar, depressed, or have a history of mental illness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure, which can cause strokes or heart problems. Call your doctor right away when you experience a high heart rate, chest pain or sweating. 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 stroke or bleeding problem. This medication can cause numbness and discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
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 safety and effectiveness. It is important to note that this medication could be misused and should never be given to someone who does not suffer 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 proven. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus the brand name, but this might not be true for all children.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the proper dosage. A healthcare professional will observe your child's or your own's bodily reactions and make adjustments until they discover the most effective medication. These medicines are powerful and may cause adverse consequences, ranging from irritability and sleep issues to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that contains methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It is a stimulant that increases levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems including strokes and sudden deaths for patients who suffer from certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure and the possibility of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also raise the blood pressure and pulse rate little. If you have heart issues or a pre-existing health condition, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include changes in mood, including anxiety and depression. These side effects can also 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 like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in adolescents and children. This is usually temporary, and does not alter their height at the end of the day.
There are most effective adhd medication for adults of this medication, that are available with a prescription only. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolving or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule, which is then opened and sprinkled on food or liquid. Some people use an ingredient that acts quickly and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term, which requires more dosage.
This medication may interact with certain other drugs like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It could also increase your your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other substances or drugs. This can alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all the other medications you or your child is taking, including prescription drugs as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can lead to severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by those with circulatory issues like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics for those with these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate in medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks increased activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the underactivation in the same regions during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate elicits its effects on behavior by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants in particular seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in certain areas like the striatum, but not in other regions like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants reduced ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in a few patients the combination did not perform as well as a single drug. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not need them to live with the condition. Many people can learn better ways to cope through behavior therapy and skill training.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically identical, and they are likely to have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that can improve focus, concentration and mood when used according to the prescription. It also works in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, or even coma. Being aware of signs of an Ritalin overdose is critical for stopping these symptoms and taking the appropriate action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in various ways. A person may consume too many pills since they didn't remember to redose their medication. Other substances can interact with the drug, causing its effects, or they may be using it recreationally and not know how to dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. In the end, those who have an history of abuse of stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, when it was taken and if they've taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to more accurately decide on the best way to treat the patient. They will 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 trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical experts. They can be treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. Activated charcoal may also be administered to the patient in order to prevent the drug from circulating into their body. The hospital staff may cool the patient by using fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.
If you're prescribed Ritalin, make sure to store it in a safe area where children cannot get it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Mix the medicine that is not used with cat litter or ground coffee and dispose of it.