ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It improves brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, like suppressed appetite and trouble sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and will disappear by themselves or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for decades. It is considered to be safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the guidance of your physician.
However, there are reports of the abuse of this drug as well as reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Doctors must evaluate each patient's risk and monitor their symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also important to educate patients and their families on this risk of harm and the need for proper disposal of any unneeded medication. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is ideal since it will stop children from accessing and taking doses that are not needed. 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 people who are bipolar, depressed, or have an history of mental illness. Consult your doctor now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which can result in heart attacks or strokes. If you feel chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating contact your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease, sudden death or any time you've had a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not clear whether the brand-name version of this medication is more effective than the generic version. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its history of safety and effectiveness. It is important to note that this medication is a risk to misused and should not be given to someone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication performs better than others, however this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proved scientifically. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus name-brand, but 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 determine the appropriate dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to determine the most effective medication. These medicines are powerful and can have side effects, from irritability and sleep issues 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 dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death for those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disorders high blood pressure, a history of cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also raise your or your child's blood pressure and pulse rate slightly. This could be a problem when you have a prior heart condition or have heart problems, so your doctor will keep a close watch over your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include anxiety as well as depression. They can also impact behavior that can be particularly difficult for children who are taking the medication. In some cases, it may cause the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive movements and sounds, such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow growth in children and adolescents. This is usually temporary and doesn't alter their height at the end of the day.
There are a variety of kinds of this medication that are available on prescription only. The medication can be taken as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolving or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule, which is then opened and sprinkled over liquid or food items. Some people make use of the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Some people take it for a longer time and require an increased dose.
This medication can interact with certain other drugs like monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication can increase the risk of glaucoma caused by angle closure, a potentially deadly adverse side result.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other medications and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and vitamins and supplements. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This could cause severe side effects, including suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by those with issues with circulation, such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It may also aggravate symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics for those with these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks increased activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and striatum 25. These changes were also accompanied by normalization of the underactivation in the same areas during non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate exerts its behavioral effect through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, just click the following article of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in certain areas like the striatum, but not in other areas like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. However, in a few patients the combination didn't perform as well as the single drug. The majority of people don't require medication to cope with ADHD. Many people are able to develop more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy for behavior and training.
There are reports that the name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been proven by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have the same effects on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin is a stimulant of the central nervous system that can improve concentration, focus, and mood when used according to the prescribed dosage. It has also been proven to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and Narcolepsy. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, coma, and other serious medical issues. Being aware of symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is crucial to preventing these symptoms and taking steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in various ways. One could accidentally take too many pills because they didn't remember to take a dose retake. adhd medication uk can interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they could be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to do it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin can result in tolerance and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. In the end people with an history of using stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. They must be able to give the emergency responders details about their dosage, when they used it, and the other medications or substances they consumed. The emergency response team will then be able to better decide on the best way to treat the patient. They usually pump the stomach (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to remove any excess drugs from the body before they can be absorption into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical professionals. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. Activated charcoal may also be administered to the patient to prevent the drug from circulating into their body. The hospital staff can cool the patient with fans or mists chilled water if they are feeling hot.
If you're given Ritalin, make sure to store it in a safe place where children are not able to reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Lastly, do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Mix the medicine you don't need with cat litter or ground coffee and throw it out.