ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It works by improving brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause side effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, most of these are mild and disappear on their own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine 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 and is believed to be safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the guidance by a physician.
Nevertheless there have been instances of addiction and abuse when the drug is used at therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess the risk for each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families about the dangers and the need for proper disposal of any unneeded medication. It is recommended to use a locked medicine container, which prevents children from consuming unneeded medication. It's also a great idea to remind patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, particularly in people who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression or have a mental illness history. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. medication for adhd in adults iampsychiatry can also cause an increase in blood pressure that can cause strokes or heart problems. Get your doctor's attention immediately in case you are experiencing an elevated heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Tell your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease, sudden death, or if you've ever had an accident or suffered from bleeding issues. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It isn't known whether the brand-name version of the product is more effective than its generic counterpart. However many doctors prefer the brand-name version due to its proven safety and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse and should not be administered to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence that has not yet been scientifically verified. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, but this isn't necessarily the case for all children.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD it takes some time to determine the appropriate dosage. A healthcare professional will observe the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments in order to find the best medication. These powerful medications can trigger adverse reactions that range from irritability, sleep problems and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It works by increasing the 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, such as stroke and sudden death, in people with certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disorders as well as high blood pressure and a history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also slightly increase the rate of your child's pulse and blood pressure. If you suffer from heart problems or an existing medical condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes in mood, like depression and anxiety. They can also affect behavior which is particularly difficult for children who are just starting to take the medication. In some instances, it can cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow the growth in teenagers and children. This is usually temporary, and does not alter their height in the future.
The medication is available in various forms, but only with a prescription. It could be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed on or dissolved in a capsule opened and sprinkled on food or in a liquid. 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 can interact with other medications, like antidepressants and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication may also increase the chance of developing angle closure glaucoma, a potentially deadly side consequence.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other medications and substances, which can alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. Tell your doctor what other medications you and your child are taking, including vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter medications. Ritalin can interact with some antidepressants. This is particularly relevant for those that contain monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can lead to severe side effects, including suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended by people who have issues with circulation, such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also cause the onset of Tourette syndrome or tics for those who suffer from these conditions.
Some fMRI studies have found that an acute dose of methylphenidate in medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation in the placebo and off-medication states in the same regions.
These results support that methylphenidate enhances performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, other fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in certain regions, like 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. However, in some patients, the combination did not perform as well as the single drug. The majority of people don't require medication to deal with ADHD. Many people are able to develop 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. Both medications are chemically the same, which means they will both have the same effects on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It can also be effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, or coma. It is crucial to be aware of the signs of an overdose on Ritalin to avoid these symptoms and seek medical attention.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of reasons. One could accidentally consume too many pills since they did not remember to refill their prescription. They might also consume other substances that can interfere with the drug and enhance its effects or they may be using it recreationally and aren't aware of how to dose it properly. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin could lead to addiction and psychological dependence which can lead to addiction. In the end, those who have a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should use Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dosage, when it was taken and if they've taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team can then better determine what to do to treat the person. They will usually perform a stomach pump (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drug from the body before they can be absorption into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by a medical professional. They are treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. Additionally, the patient might be given activated charcoal to stop any more of the drug from circulating in the body. If they are feeling hot, the staff at the hospital can cool them down with fans and mists of water to avoid hyperthermia.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin keep it in a location that is secure and where children cannot access it. You may also ask your pharmacist about a take-back program. Do not keep any expired or unneeded medication. Mix the medicine you don't need with ground coffee or cat litter and then throw it away.