ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It improves brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause negative side effects like decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of these are mild and disappear by themselves or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for many years and is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages taken under the guidance of a doctor.
Nevertheless, there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is used at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors must evaluate each patient for the risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to educate the patient and their family members about the risk of harm and the need for proper disposal of any leftover medication. Using a locked medication box is a good idea, since it will stop children from accessing and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share the medication with anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in those who are bipolar, depressed, or have a history of mental illness. Discuss with your doctor right immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which could cause heart or stroke. If you feel chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating consult your physician immediately. Tell your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease, sudden death or having suffered an accident or suffered from bleeding issues. This medication can cause numbness and pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It isn't clear whether the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. However, many doctors prefer the brand-name version due its safety record and effectiveness. This medication is susceptible to abuse, and should not be administered to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication is more effective than others, but this is only anecdotal and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents have said that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, however this is not necessarily true for every child.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the correct dose when starting medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare professional will observe the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments in order to find the most effective medication. These powerful medications can trigger adverse effects that range from sleep issues, irritability and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems including stroke and sudden deaths in people with certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure and the possibility of cardiac arrest and cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications Ritalin can cause a decreased appetite and weight loss. It may also raise your your child's pulse rate and blood pressure slightly. If you have heart problems or a pre-existing condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety as well as depression. These side effects can affect children's behavior, which is particularly difficult for children who are still young. In some cases it can cause tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. However this is usually only temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
This medication is available in various forms, but only by prescription. The medication is available as a tablet, which can be chewed, dissolved, or swallowed. add medication adult may also be available in the form of a capsule, which is then opened and sprinkled over food or liquid. Some people choose to use 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 dosage.
This medication can interact with other medications such as antidepressants or monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication may also increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma which could be a fatal adverse side effect.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other drugs or substances. This can alter the effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all the other medications you or your child are taking, including prescription drugs as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
add adult medications increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This could cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and actions, seizures, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's syndrome or high pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in those who have these conditions.
Some fMRI studies have found that an acute dose of methylphenidate for medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks enhanced activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the reduced activation in the same regions during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results support the idea that methylphenidate elicits its effects on behavior by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, additional fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in certain areas, such as the striatum, but not in other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients the combination did not perform as effectively as a single drug. Most people don't need medication to deal with ADHD. Many people are able to develop better coping skills through therapy for behavior and training.
There are reports that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form, but this has not been confirmed by clinical trials. The two medications are chemically similar, which means they should have the same effect on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that improves focus, concentration and mood when used according to the prescribed dosage. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This could lead to heart attack, stroke, or even coma. Being aware of the signs of a Ritalin overdose is crucial to the prevention of these symptoms and taking steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in many ways. Someone may accidentally consume too many pills since they did not remember to refill their prescription. They could also be taking other substances that could affect the drug and enhance its effects, or they might be using it recreationally and not know how to dose it correctly. Additionally, long-term use of Ritalin can result in addiction and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with an history of addiction to drugs.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They should be able provide the emergency personnel with specific details regarding their dosage, when they took it, and what other drugs or substances they took. The emergency response team will determine the best course of action to do to treat the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, a procedure called gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it is taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical experts. Antiseizure and fluids are a way to treat them. In addition, the patient could be treated with activated charcoal to stop any further drug from circulating in the body. If they feel hot, the hospital staff can cool them down using fans and mists of water to avoid hyperthermia.
If you're given Ritalin ensure that you store it in a secure place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Don't keep expired or unneeded medication. Mix the medicine you don't need with ground coffee or cat litter and throw it out.