ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit 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 diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most of these are mild and go away by themselves or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are vital neurotransmitters partially responsible for regulating motivation actions, cognition, and motivation. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time and is considered to be safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the supervision of a physician.
However there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Doctors must evaluate each patient's risk and monitor their symptoms throughout the treatment. It is crucial to inform patients and their family members about the dangers of taking medications that are not used and the need to appropriately get rid of them. Using a locked medication box is ideal since it keeps children from gaining access and consuming doses that are not used. It is also a great idea to tell patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially for those who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression or have a mental health history. Talk with visit the following website if you experience any of these symptoms. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which could cause stroke or heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you have an increased heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Also tell your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have previously suffered any type of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not known if the brand-name version is more efficient than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication because of its effectiveness and safety. It is important to keep in mind that this medication can be misused and should not be administered to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication performs better than others, but this is only anecdotal and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to name-brand, but this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the right dose when beginning medication to treat ADHD. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to determine the most effective treatment. These medicines are extremely effective and can have side effects, from irritability and sleep disorders to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a central nervous system stimulant. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden death in people with certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disturbances as well as high blood pressure and an underlying cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It may also cause a slight increase in the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. This can be a problem when you have a prior heart condition or heart problems, so your doctor will keep a close watch over your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior, which can be especially difficult for children who are just starting to take the medication. In check here can cause symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. This is usually temporary and doesn't alter their height at the end of the day.
The medication is available in a variety of forms, but only by prescription. The medication is available in the form of a tablet that can be chewed, dissolved, or swallowed. It is also available in the form of a capsule, that is opened and sprinkled over liquid or food items. Some people choose to use a formula that is short-acting and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term and require a higher dose.
This medication could interact with other drugs like antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication can also increase the chance of developing angle closure glaucoma which is a potentially fatal adverse side result.
Interactions
Many medications can interact with other substances or drugs. This can alter the effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even fatal. It is important to inform your doctor about all the other medications you or your child taking, including prescription drugs as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people who suffer from circulatory issues like Raynaud's phenomenon or high 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 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 the striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the reduced activation in the same regions during non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate can improve performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. However, other studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, are believed to block dopamine reuptake in specific areas such as the striatum, but not in other regions like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. However, in some patients the combination didn't perform as well as the single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not need them to live with the disorder. Behavior therapy and skills training can help many people learn better coping strategies.
Some people anecdotally report that brand-name Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been confirmed by clinical studies. The two medications are chemically identical, so they are likely to have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that can help improve concentration, focus, and mood when used according to the prescription. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in stroke, heart attack and coma as well as other serious medical issues. Being aware of the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking the necessary step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in a variety of ways. For instance, a person may have a mishap and take too much medication due to the fact that they don't remember to re-dose their medication. They may also consume other substances that could interfere with the drug and increase its effects, or they might be using it recreationally and aren't aware of how to properly dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those with a history of drug abuse.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. They should be able to give the emergency responders specific details regarding their dosage, when they were taking it, as well as any other medications or substances they consumed. The emergency response team can determine the best course of action to do to help the patient. They will usually pump the stomach (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drug from the body before they can be taken up by the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures. People who experience these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical experts. Fluids and antiseizure medication can be used to treat seizures. Activated charcoal can also be administered to the patient in order to stop the drug from circulating into the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin keep it in an area where children can't reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Also, don't keep any expired or unused medication. Instead, mix the expired medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.