ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can have adverse effects, such as decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. The majority of these side effects are mild and will disappear on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters partially responsible for regulating motivation actions, cognition, and motivation. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for decades and is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages taken under the guidance of a doctor.
However there are reports of the abuse of this drug as well as reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Physicians must determine each patient's risk and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is important to inform patients as well as their family members of the dangers of unused medications and the need to appropriately get rid of them. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is ideal, as this keeps children from gaining access and consuming doses that are not used. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share the medication with anyone.
This medication can cause suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially in those who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental illness history. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which could result in heart attacks or strokes. Get your doctor's attention immediately if you have an elevated heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Also, inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever had any type of stroke or bleeding problem. This medication could affect blood circulation and cause discomfort or numbness in your toes and fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medicine is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name version because of its security and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse, and should not be administered to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication works better than others, however this is just anecdotal evidence and hasn't 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 every child.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dosage. A doctor will be able to monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and make adjustments until they can find the most effective treatment. These powerful medicines can cause adverse effects that range from sleep disorders, irritability and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that contains methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also improves your concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death in people with certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disturbances high blood pressure, a history of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also cause a slight increase in your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. This could be a problem if you have a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems as a result, so your doctor will keep a close check on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior, which can be especially difficult for young children taking the medication. In some cases it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repeated sounds or movements such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow the growth for children and teens. However this is usually only temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
There are a variety of types of this medication, that are available with a prescription only. It could be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolving, 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 for a longer time and require an increased dosage.
This medication can interact with certain other drugs including monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It may also increase your your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other drugs and substances, which can alter their effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you and your child is taking, such as vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by those who suffer from circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It may also cause more symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate for 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. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the reduced activation in the same regions during non-medicament and placebo 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. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest the mechanism is more complex than an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake process in certain regions such as the striatum, but not in other areas like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in some patients the combination did not perform as well as a single drug. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD and the majority of people don't require medications to manage the condition. Many people can learn more effective ways to cope with the disorder through behavior therapy and skill training.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two drugs are chemically identical, and they are likely to have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can improve mood, focus, and concentration when taken as prescribed. It also works in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. But, as with any drug that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large doses, overdoses can occur. This can result in heart attack, stroke, coma, and other serious medical issues. Being aware of the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is vital to stopping these symptoms and taking steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in many ways. A person may consume too many pills since they didn't remember to redose their medication. Other substances may interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they could be using it recreationally without knowing how to dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can also result in tolerance and a psychological dependency that can lead addiction. As a result, those who have a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should use Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They must be able to give the emergency responders specific details regarding the dosage, the time they used it, and the other medications or substances they consumed. The emergency response team will then be able to better determine the best treatment for the patient. They usually perform a stomach pump (a procedure called gastriclavage) to remove any excess drug from the body before they are absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures, and anyone who is who is experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by medical professionals. adhd depression medication and antiseizure medications can be used to treat them. Activated charcoal may also be administered to the patient in order to stop the drug from entering their body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists cooled water if they feel hot.
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 if they have a drug-return program. Don't keep any unused or expired medicine. Mix the medicine that is not used with cat litter or ground coffee and then throw it away.