ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way that parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can have side effects such as a decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and will disappear on their own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. adhd treatment without medication and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time and is considered safe in recommended dosages when administered under the supervision by a physician.
However there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Physicians must assess the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also crucial to inform patients and their families about the risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any leftover medication. Using a locked medication box is ideal, as this will stop children from accessing and consuming doses that are not used. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share the medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings especially in those who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental health history. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which can result in heart attacks or strokes. If you feel chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating contact your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have previously suffered any type of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication could alter your blood circulation and cause numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep.
It isn't known whether the brand-name version of the product is more effective than its generic counterpart. However, many doctors prefer the brand-name version due its safety record and effectiveness. It is also important to remember that this medication is a risk to abused and should never be administered to a person who does not suffer from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some claim that this medication is more effective than other. However, this is only anecdotal evidence and has not yet been scientifically proven. Some parents have reported that their children respond differently to name-brand versus generic methylphenidate, however this is not necessarily true for every child.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the appropriate dose when you start treatment for ADHD. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments to find the most effective treatment. These powerful medicines can cause adverse reactions that range from sleep disorders, irritability and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death for those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and an history of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin as with other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It may also cause a slight increase in your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. This could be a problem in the event of a preexisting heart condition or heart problems as a result, so your doctor will keep close watch over your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include changes in mood, including depression and anxiety. They can also impact behavior that can be particularly difficult for young children taking the drug. In some cases it can trigger symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds, such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also cause a slowing of growth in teenagers and children. However this is usually only temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
The medication is available in several forms, but only by prescription. It could be a tablet swallowed, chewed on or dissolved or a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food items or a liquid. Some people choose to take a formula that acts in a short time and lasts for about three to six hours, while others take it long-term and require an increased dosage.
This medication could interact with other medications such as antidepressants or monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It may also increase your your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other drugs or substances, which may alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medicines you or your child is taking, including prescription drugs and vitamins and supplements. Ritalin can interact with some antidepressants. This is particularly the case for those with monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors, seizures, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by those with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate in medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of underactivation when compared to placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results show that methylphenidate enhances performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in certain areas, like the striatum, but not others, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD-like symptoms in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some cases, however, the combination did not perform as well as a single medication. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD, and most people do not require medications to manage the disorder. Many people are able to develop more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy and training.
Some people anecdotally report that brand-name Ritalin is more efficient than generic Ritalin however this hasn't been proven by clinical trials. Both drugs are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that improves focus, concentration and mood when used as prescribed. It can also be effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to heart attack, stroke and coma as well as other serious medical issues. It is essential to recognize the signs of an overdose on Ritalin in order to prevent these symptoms and seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in various ways. For instance, a person may accidentally take too much due to the fact that they don't remember to re-dose their medication. Other substances may interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they may be using it for recreational purposes, and not know how to dose it. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin could lead to addiction and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with a history of drug abuse.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dosage, when it was taken, and if they have consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will determine what they should do to treat the patient. They will usually pump the stomach (a procedure called gastriclavage) to remove any excess drug from the body before they can be absorption into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical experts. They can be treated by taking fluids and medications to prevent seizures. Activated charcoal is also given to the patient to stop the drugs from entering the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient by using fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin, store it in a location that is secure and where children cannot access it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist for a take-back program. Do not keep any expired or unneeded medication. Mix the medicine that is not used with cat litter or ground coffee and dispose of it.