ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat ADHD. It is used to treat it. It helps improve brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medications can have side effects such as a reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and will disappear on their o own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for decades and is believed to be safe in recommended dosages when taken under the guidance of a doctor.
However there have been instances of abuse and addiction even when the drug is administered in therapeutic doses. Therefore, physicians need to assess each patient for danger and monitor their symptoms throughout treatment. It is important to inform patients as well as their family members of the dangers of unused medications and the need to properly get rid of them. It is recommended to use a locked medicine box which will prevent children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may cause 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, contact your doctor immediately. This medication can also cause an increase in blood pressure that can lead to stroke or heart problems. If you experience chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Also, inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have ever had any type of bleeding or stroke. This medication may affect your blood circulation, causing numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medicine is more efficient than the generic version. However many doctors prefer the brand-name version due to its history of safety and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse and should not be given to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication performs better than others, however this is only anecdotal and hasn't been proven scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to 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 proper dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's body reactions and make adjustments until they find the most effective treatment. These powerful medicines can cause side effects ranging from sleep issues, irritability and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, and is a central nervous system stimulant. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden deaths in people who suffer from certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure, as well as the possibility of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin like other stimulant medications prescribed for adhd (
linked web site), can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also increase your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. If you suffer from heart problems or a pre-existing condition, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes in mood, including anxiety and depression. These side effects can also affect the behavior of children, which is particularly difficult for children who are still young. In some instances, it can 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 in children and teenagers. However, this is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
This medication is available in various forms, but only on prescription. It could be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolved, a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food items or a liquid. Some people take an instant-acting formulation that lasts for about three to six hours, while others use it for a longer time and require a higher dosage.
This medication may interact with certain other drugs including monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This
medication for adhd can increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma which could be a fatal adverse side effect.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other substances or drugs. This could alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even fatal. You should inform your doctor about all the other medicines you or your child are taking, including prescription medications as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people with issues with circulation such as Raynaud's syndrome or high pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in those who suffer from these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the subactivation in the same regions during non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results show that methylphenidate improves performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, other studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Particularly, psychostimulants are believed to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in some regions, like
best over the counter adhd medication for adults striatum, but not in other areas, like 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. However, in a few patients, the combination did not perform as well as the single drug. Most people don't require
medication for autism and adhd to manage ADHD. Skills training and behavior therapy can help many people learn better coping strategies.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two drugs are chemically similar, which means they should have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It is also effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. However, like all substances that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large doses, overdose can occur. This could lead to heart attack, stroke, coma, and other serious medical issues. Recognizing the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is vital to stopping these symptoms and taking the appropriate steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in a variety of ways. For example, someone may overdose because they forget to take a dose re-supplement. Other substances may interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they may be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to dose it. Additionally, long-term use of Ritalin can result in addiction and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. In the end those with a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
Anyone suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, when it was taken and if they've consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to more accurately determine how to treat the patient. They usually pump the stomach (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drug from the body before they can be absorption into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures, so anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by medical professionals. They are treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. In addition, the patient might be given activated charcoal to stop any more of the drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient with fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you are prescribed Ritalin be sure to store it in a secure place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Do not keep any expired or unused medication. Mix the unused medicine with cat litter or ground coffee and then throw it away.
