ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can have adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most of these are mild and will go away on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for decades. It is considered to be safe when used in the dosages recommended under the guidance of your physician.
However there are reports of misuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess each patient's risk and monitor their symptoms throughout the treatment. It is important to inform patients and their family members of the dangers of not using medications and the need to properly get rid of them. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is ideal since it prevents children from accessing and accidentally taking unused doses. It's also a good idea to tell patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings especially in those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental health history. Talk with add adhd medication if you have any of these symptoms. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure that could lead to strokes or heart issues. If you feel chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, or excessive sweating, contact your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if you have is an ancestor with a history of heart disease, sudden death or any time you've had bleeding or stroke issues. This medication may alter your blood circulation, causing discomfort or numbness in your toes or fingers. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep.
It is not clear whether the brand-name version of this medicine is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication because of its safety and effectiveness. It is important to keep in mind that this medication can be misused and should not be given to someone who does not suffer 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 proved. Some parents have reported that their children respond differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, however this isn't the case for every child.
Side effects
When you begin medication to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dosage. A healthcare professional will observe your child's or your own's bodily reactions and make adjustments until they discover the most effective dosage. These medications are potent and can have side effects, ranging from irritability to sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. It 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 and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden death, for those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disorders as well as high blood pressure and a history of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also increase the rate of your child's pulse and blood pressure. If you have heart problems or an existing health condition, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include changes in mood, such as anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior that can be particularly difficult for children who are just starting to take the medication. In certain instances, it may cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow the growth in teenagers and children. This is usually temporary, and does not affect their final height.
This medication is available in a variety of forms, but only on prescription. It could be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolved in a capsule opened and sprinkled on food or in a liquid. Some people take a short-acting formula that lasts for about three to six hours, whereas others take it long-term and need a higher dosage.
This medication could interact with other medications, such as antidepressants and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication may increase the chance of developing angle closure glaucoma which could be a fatal adverse consequence.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other drugs or substances, which may alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous, even deadly. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you or your child take, including supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter drugs. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people who suffer from circulatory issues such as Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also worsen 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 25. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the underactivation in the same areas during the placebo and off-medicament conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate elicits its effect on behavior by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest the mechanism is more complicated than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Particularly, psychostimulants are believed to block the reuptake of dopamine in some areas, like the striatum, but not other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases, however, the combination didn't work like one medication. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not need medications to manage the disorder. Many people can develop better coping skills through therapy for behavior and training.
There are reports that brand-name Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been proven by clinical trials. Both drugs are chemically same, which means they will both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It has also been proven effective in treating ADD/ADHD and the disorder known as narcolepsy. However, like all substances that alters the brain, if misused or taken in large amounts, overdoses can happen. This can lead to stroke, heart attack or coma, as well as other serious medical issues. Being aware of symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking the appropriate action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in many ways. Someone may accidentally take too many pills due to the fact that they forgot to take a dose retake. They could also be taking other substances that could interfere with the drug and increase its effects, or they might be using it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to dose it correctly. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin could lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with an addiction history.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, the time it was taken, and if they have consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team can then better determine what to do to treat the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, which is called gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical experts. They are treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. Activated charcoal is also administered to the patient to prevent the drug from entering their body. If they are feeling hot, the staff at the hospital can cool them down by using fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin, store it in an area in a place where children aren't able to reach it. You may also ask your pharmacist about a take-back program. Don't keep expired or unused medication. Mix the medicine you don't need with ground coffee or cat litter and dispose of it.