ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It works by improving brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medication can cause side effects, such as sleepiness and a lack of appetite. Most of these side effects are mild and will go away on their o own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which are vital neurotransmitters responsible for controlling motivation as well as action and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for a long time. It is considered safe when used in the dosages recommended under the supervision of a physician.
Nevertheless there have been instances of abuse and addiction even when the drug is administered at therapeutic doses. Therefore, physicians need to assess each patient for danger and monitor their symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families on this risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. It is recommended to use a locked medicine container, which prevents children from accidentally taking unused medication. It's also a great idea to remind patients not to divulge their medication to anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially for those who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental illness history. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication can also cause an increase in blood pressure which can lead to stroke or heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you have a high heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have is any family history of heart disease, sudden death, or if you've ever had a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication may alter your blood circulation, causing discomfort or numbness in your toes and fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It is not known if the brand-name version of this medicine is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name version because of its effectiveness and safety. The medication is a risk for abuse and should not be administered to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence and is not yet scientifically proved. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate. However, this isn't necessarily the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the right dose when beginning treatment for ADHD. A healthcare professional will observe the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments to determine the best medication. These powerful medications can cause adverse effects that range from sleep disorders, irritability and severe 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 levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also increases your concentration and reduces anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems including strokes and sudden deaths in those with certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure and an underlying heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can cause a decreased appetite and weight loss. It can also slightly increase your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. This could be a problem if you have a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems, so your doctor will be on eye on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, including anxiety and depression. These side effects can affect children's behavior, which can be particularly challenging for children who are still young. In some cases it can cause tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow growth in children and adolescents. It is usually temporary and does not alter 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 that is swallowed, chewed on or dissolved, a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or a liquid. Some people choose to use the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Some people take it for a longer time which requires more dosage.
This medication can interact with certain other drugs, such as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It may also increase your or your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other drugs or substances. This can alter the effects. Certain interactions can be harmful or even fatal. Inform adhd medication list about any other medications you or your child take, including supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter drugs. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can cause severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people with issues with circulation, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon 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 administered to patients responding to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the reduced activation in the same regions under the placebo and off-medicament conditions.
These results support the notion that methylphenidate elicits its behavioral effect by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine levels, which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral studies suggest the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, are believed to block dopamine reuptake process in certain regions, such the striatum but not in other areas, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some patients however, the combination didn't perform as effectively as one drug. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD, and most people don't require them to live with the disorder. Training in skills and behavior therapy can help a lot of people develop better coping strategies.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two drugs are chemically similar, which means they should have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It has also been found to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and Narcolepsy. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if misused or taken in large doses, overdoses can occur. This could lead to stroke, heart attack or coma. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of an overdose on Ritalin to avoid these symptoms and seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in a variety of ways. A person may take too many pills due to the fact that they didn't remember to refill their prescription. They could also be taking other substances that can interfere with the drug and increase its effect or they could be using it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to dose it properly. Long-term Ritalin use can also result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those who have an addiction history.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. First responders should be aware of the dose, the time it was taken, and if they have taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to decide on the best way to treat the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, to remove any excess substance from the body prior to it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. They can be treated by taking fluids and anti-seizure medication. Additionally, the patient could be treated with activated charcoal to stop any further substance from entering the body. If they are feeling hot, the hospital staff can cool them down by using fans and mists of water to avoid hyperthermia.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin keep it in a place where children can't reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Also, don't keep any unused or expired medicine. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.