ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause negative side effects, including sleepiness and a lack of appetite. The majority of these side effects are minor 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 key neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating motivation, action, and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for a long time. It is considered safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the guidance of your doctor.
However, there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Physicians must assess the risk of each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families about the risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unneeded medication. It is best to utilize an enclosed medicine cabinet, which prevents children from consuming unneeded medication. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts or behaviors especially in those who are depressed, bipolar, or have an history of mental illness. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which could cause stroke or heart problems. Get your doctor's attention immediately if you have a high heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Also, inform your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've previously suffered any type of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make it difficult to sleep.
It is not known if the brand-name version of this medicine is more efficient than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication because of its effectiveness and safety. It is important to remember that this medication can be misused and should not be given to someone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than others. However this is only anecdotal evidence, and is not yet scientifically proved. Some parents report 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 are first starting medication to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dosage. A healthcare professional will observe the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments in order to find the most effective treatment. These medications are potent and can cause side effects, from irritability and sleep disorders to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. medications for adhd in adults could cause serious heart problems, including strokes and sudden deaths for patients who suffer from certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure as well as a history or heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can cause a decreased appetite and weight loss. It can also increase the blood pressure and pulse rate little. This could be a concern if you have a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems, so your doctor will be on watch over your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include changes in mood, including anxiety and depression. They can also impact behavior, which can be especially difficult for children who are just starting to take the medication. In certain instances, it may cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive sounds or movements such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also cause a slowing of growth for children and teens. This is usually temporary and does not alter their height at the end of the day.
There are a variety of forms of this medication, that are available with a prescription only. The medication is available in the form of a tablet that is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule, which is then opened and sprinkled on liquid or food items. Some people use an instant-acting formulation that lasts from three to six hours, while others take it for a longer time and require more dose.
This medication may interact with other medications like monoamine oxidase 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 have the potential to interact with other drugs and substances, which could alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous or even fatal. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child is taking, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well as hallucinations, seizures, and seizures. Ritalin should not be taken by those who suffer from circulatory problems like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
Some fMRI studies have found that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks enhanced activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the underactivation in the same regions during non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate improves performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. However, additional research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake process in certain regions, such the striatum but not in other regions like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and non-stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases, however, the combination didn't work as effectively as a single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD and the majority of people don't require medication to manage the condition. Training in skills and behavior therapy can assist many people in learning better coping strategies.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two drugs are chemically identical, and they should have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can improve mood, focus, and concentration when prescribed. It has also been found effective in treating ADD/ADHD as well as the disorder known as narcolepsy. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to stroke, heart attack or even coma. It is important to recognize the symptoms of an overdose on Ritalin in order to prevent these symptoms and seek medical care.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in various ways. For instance, a person may accidentally take too much because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. They might also consume other substances that can interact with the drug and increase its effect or they could be using it recreationally and not know how to dose it correctly. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin can result in tolerance and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with an history of addiction to drugs.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. First responders should be aware of the dosage, when it was taken, and if they have consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will then better determine what to do to treat the person. Typically, they will 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. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical experts. They can be treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. In addition, the patient may be given activated charcoal to block any further drug from entering the body. If they feel hot, the hospital staff can cool them down using fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you are prescribed Ritalin ensure that you store it in a safe place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Do not keep any expired or unneeded medication. Instead, mix the expired medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.