ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way the parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can cause side effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and will disappear on their o own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. adhd medication list are responsible for regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for decades and is considered to be safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the guidance of a doctor.
However, there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Therefore, doctors must evaluate each patient for the risk and observe these symptoms throughout treatment. It is important to inform patients and family members about the dangers of taking medications that are not used and the need to appropriately get rid of them. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is a good idea, since it keeps children from gaining access and taking doses that are not needed. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in those who are bipolar, depressed or have an history of mental illness. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure that can cause strokes or heart issues. If you experience chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating call your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if there is any family history of heart disease, sudden death or any time you've had bleeding or stroke issues. This medication can cause numbness and discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make it hard to sleep.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medication is more efficient 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 does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication is more effective than others, however this is purely anecdotal and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents have said that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, but this isn't the case for all children.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD it takes some 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 find the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can trigger side effects ranging from sleep issues, irritability and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death for those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disturbances as well as high blood pressure and an history of cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also slightly increase the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. If you have heart issues or an existing condition, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, like anxiety and depression. These effects can affect the behavior of children, which is especially difficult for those who are still young. In some instances, it can cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive movements or sounds such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in children and adolescents. However it is usually temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
The medication is available in various forms, but only with a prescription. It could be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed on or dissolved, a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food or in a liquid. Some people make use of the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term which requires more dose.
This medication may interact with other drugs like monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication can increase the chance of developing angle closure glaucoma which could be a fatal adverse consequence.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other drugs or substances. This can alter the effects of their actions. Some interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child is taking, such as vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is particularly true for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and actions as well as hallucinations, seizures, and seizures. Ritalin should not be taken by those who suffer from circulatory issues such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Some fMRI studies have found that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the striatum 25. These changes were also accompanied by normalization of the subactivation in the same areas during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results support the idea that methylphenidate causes its effect on behavior by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, other research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in specific areas like the striatum, but not in other areas, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination didn't work as effectively as one drug. There is no one-stop treatment for ADHD, and most people do not need medication to manage the condition. Behavior therapy and skills training can help many people learn more effective strategies for coping.
There are reports that the name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic version however this hasn't been confirmed by clinical studies. Both medications are chemically identical, and they are likely to have the same effect on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that can improve focus, concentration and mood when taken according to the prescribed dosage. It can also be effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large quantities, an overdose can occur. This can result in stroke, heart attack or coma, as well as other serious medical problems. Being aware of signs of an Ritalin overdose is crucial to the prevention of these symptoms and taking action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in many ways. Someone may accidentally consume too many pills since they forgot to redose their medication. Other substances can interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they could be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to do it. Long-term Ritalin usage can result in tolerance and a psychological dependency that can lead addiction. In the end, those who have an history of using stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. First responders should know the dosage, when it was taken and if they've taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will be able to decide on the best way to treat the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, which is called gastric lavage, to remove any excess substance from the body prior to it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by a medical professional. They can be treated by taking fluids and anti-seizure medication. Activated charcoal is also given to the patient to stop the drug from entering their body. If they are feeling hot, the medical staff can cool them down by using fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin keep it in a location where children can't reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Do not keep any expired or unneeded medication. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.