ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way that parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can have adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most of these are mild and disappear by themselves or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant and has been used since decades. It is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the guidance of your physician.
However there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors must evaluate each patient for the risk and observe these symptoms throughout treatment. It is essential to inform patients and their relatives about the dangers of not using medications and the need to properly get rid of them. A locked medicine box is ideal since it will stop children from accessing and consuming doses that are not used. It's also a good idea to inform patients not to give their medication to anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts or behaviors especially in those who are bipolar, depressed, or have a history of mental illness. Discuss with your doctor right now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which can cause stroke or heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately in case you are experiencing an elevated heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Tell your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease, sudden death, or if you've ever had a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication may 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 efficient than its generic counterpart. However, many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version due its proven safety and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse and should not be administered to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication performs better than other medications, but this is just anecdotal evidence and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents have said that their children react differently to name-brand versus generic methylphenidate. However, this isn't necessarily the case for all children.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the proper dose. A doctor will be able to monitor your child's body reactions and make adjustments until they discover the most effective dosage. adhd medication for adults can trigger adverse effects that range from sleep issues, irritability and even severe cardiovascular events.
click here! is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, and is a central nervous system stimulant. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, chemicals associated control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness as well as 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 and an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also increase the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. This can be a problem in the event of a preexisting heart condition or heart problems, 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. They can also impact behavior, which can be especially difficult for children who are taking the drug. In certain instances, it may cause tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in children and adolescents. It is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are a variety of kinds of this medication which are available by prescription only. It could be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolved in a capsule opened and sprinkled on food or a liquid. 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 more dosage.
This medication could interact with other medications like antidepressants and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication can also increase the chance of developing angle closure glaucoma which could be a fatal side effect.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other drugs and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all the other medicines you or your child taking, including prescription medications as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for those with issues with circulation such as Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that a high dose of methylphenidate given to medication responders during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the subactivation in the same regions under non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate elicits its behavioral effect by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in certain areas such as the striatum, but not in other regions, such 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 cases the combination did not perform as effectively as a single drug. There is no one-stop treatment for ADHD, and most people do not need medications to manage the disorder. Many people are able to develop better coping skills through behavior therapy and skill training.
adhd medication for adults have not confirmed that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two medications are chemically identical, so they are likely to have the same effect on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin is a stimulant for the central nervous system that can improve focus, concentration and mood when taken according to the prescription. It has also been shown to be to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and Narcolepsy. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to stroke, heart attack and coma as well as other serious medical problems. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of an overdose on Ritalin in order to prevent these symptoms and seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in a variety of ways. For example, someone may have a mishap and take too much medication because they do not remember to take a dose re-supplement. Other substances may interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they could be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to dose it. Long-term Ritalin usage can result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Therefore people with a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. They should be able to provide the first responders with specific details regarding the dosage, the time they were taking it, as well as any other medications or substances they took. The emergency response team will then better determine what to do to treat the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, which is used to remove any excess drugs from the body before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medication can be used to treat them. Additionally, the patient might be given activated charcoal to block any further drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient by using fans or mists of chilled water if they are feeling hot.
If you're prescribed Ritalin, make sure to store it in a safe location where children cannot reach it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Also, don't keep any unused or expired medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.