ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It improves the way parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can cause side effects such as a decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of these are minor and disappear on their own 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 which has been used for decades and is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages taken under the guidance by a physician.
Nevertheless there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is taken at therapeutic doses. Therefore, physicians need to assess each patient for risk and observe these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to educate the patient and their family members about the dangers and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. It is recommended to use a locked medicine box which will prevent children from taking unneeded medication. It's also a great idea to inform patients not to give their medication to anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially for those who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental health history. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. 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 an increased 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 bleeding or stroke issues. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make it difficult to sleep.
It is not known if the brand-name version of this medicine is more effective than the generic version. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version due its history of safety and effectiveness. It is also important to keep in mind that this medication could be misused and should not be administered to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication performs better than others, however this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proven scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus brand name, however this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
When you begin medication to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments to find the best medication. These powerful medications can trigger adverse reactions that range from sleep issues, irritability and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant, which has methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also improves your concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden death, for those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as 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 may also raise your your child's blood pressure and pulse rate slightly. If you have heart issues or a pre-existing health condition, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, such as anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior, which can be especially difficult for children who are just starting to take the medication. In some cases it can trigger the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. It is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
The medication is available in several forms, but only with a prescription. The medication can be taken as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on liquid or food items. Some people make use of the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term which requires a higher dosage.
This medication can interact with other drugs like antidepressants and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. It may also increase your or your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other medications and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all the other medications you or your child taking, including over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin can interact with other antidepressants. This is particularly relevant for those that contain monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts, seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by those who suffer from circulatory issues like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics for those who suffer from these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the reduced activation in the same areas during non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results support the notion that methylphenidate exerts its effect on behavior through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, additional studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. relevant web-site , specifically, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in certain areas such as the striatum, but not in other areas like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases, the combination did not perform as effectively as one drug. Most people don't require medication to cope with ADHD. Many people can develop better coping skills through therapy and training.
Clinical trials have not confirmed that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically same, so they should both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This could lead to stroke, heart attack, coma, and other serious medical problems. It is crucial to be aware of the signs of an overdose Ritalin to avoid these symptoms and seek medical care.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a variety of reasons. Someone may accidentally consume too many pills since they didn't remember to redose their medication. They may also consume other substances that could affect the drug and increase its effects or they could be using it recreationally and aren't aware of how to dose it correctly. Long-term Ritalin use can also cause tolerance and psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have an history of addiction to drugs.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dose, when it was taken, and if they have taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will be able to decide on the best way to treat the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, which is used to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. Antiseizure and fluids can be used to treat them. In addition, the person might be given activated charcoal to stop any more of the drug from entering the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists chilled water if they are feeling hot.
If you're given Ritalin, make sure to store it in a secure place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Lastly, do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.