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 medications can cause negative side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, most of these are mild and will go away on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant and has been used since decades. It is considered safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the supervision of a doctor.
Nevertheless there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is used at therapeutic doses. Doctors must evaluate each patient's risk and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is essential to inform patients as well as their family members about 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 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 actions particularly in those who are depressed, bipolar or have an history of mental illness. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which can cause stroke or heart problems. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating call your doctor immediately. Also tell your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever suffered from any kind of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication may affect your blood circulation, causing discomfort or numbness in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not clear whether the brand-name version of this medication is more effective than the generic version. However, many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its proven safety and effectiveness. This medication is susceptible to abuse, and should not be given to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than others. However it is merely anecdotal evidence and has not yet been scientifically proved. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate than brand name, however this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the proper dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to determine the best medication. These medicines are powerful and can cause side effects, from irritability and sleep disorders to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a central nervous system stimulant. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and decreases anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems including stroke and sudden deaths in patients who suffer from certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure, as well as a history or heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also increase the blood pressure and pulse rate little. If you have heart problems or a pre-existing health condition Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, like depression and anxiety. These side effects can also affect children's behavior, which is particularly challenging for children who are still young. In some instances, it may cause the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also slow the growth in teenagers and children. This is usually temporary and does not affect their final height.
There are many types of this medication, that are available on prescription only. It could be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolving in a capsule open and sprinkled onto food or in a liquid. Some people choose to use a formula that is short-acting and lasts between three and six hours. Some people take it for a longer time, which requires more dose.
This medication can interact with other drugs, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication can increase the risk of glaucoma caused by angle closure, a potentially deadly adverse side result.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other medications or substances, which may alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous or even fatal. Inform medication for add in adults about any other medications you and your child take, including vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter medications. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals who suffer from circulatory issues, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or high pressure. It may also cause more symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate for medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks enhanced activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation during placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results support the idea that methylphenidate causes its behavioral effect by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. However, other research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. In particular, psychostimulants appear to hinder the reuptake process of dopamine in specific areas, such as the striatum, but not in other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased symptoms of ADHD in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in certain patients, the combination did not perform as well as the single drug. Most people don't need medication to deal with ADHD. Many people can learn better coping skills through therapy for behavior and training.
Some people anecdotally report that the name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been confirmed by clinical trials. The two medications are chemically identical, and 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 also works in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in heart attack, stroke, coma, and other serious medical issues. Being aware of symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is critical for stopping these symptoms and taking steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in various ways. Someone may accidentally take too many pills due to the fact that they didn't remember to take a dose retake. They could also be taking other substances that could interact with the drug and increase its effect, or they might be using it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to properly dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can also cause tolerance and psychological dependency that can lead addiction. In the end those with an history of using stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. First responders should be aware of the dose, when it was taken, and if they have consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will be able to determine the best treatment for the patient. They usually use the stomach pump (a procedure called gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drug from the body before they can be taken up by the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. They are treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. In addition, the patient could be treated with activated charcoal to stop any further drug from entering the body. If they feel hot, the staff at the hospital can cool them down by using fans and mists of water to avoid hyperthermia.
If you're given Ritalin, make sure to store it in a safe area where children cannot get it. You may also ask your pharmacist about a take-back program. Don't keep expired or unused medicine. Mix the medicine that is not used with ground coffee or cat litter and then throw it away.