ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat ADHD. It is used to treat it. It works by improving brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause side effects, such as suppressed appetite and trouble sleeping. Most of these side effects are mild and will disappear on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters responsible for controlling motivation actions, cognition, and motivation. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for decades. It is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the guidance of your physician.
However there are reports of misuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors should examine each patient for danger and monitor their symptoms throughout treatment. It is crucial to inform patients and their family members of the dangers of unused medications and the need to properly dispose of them. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is a good idea, since it keeps children from gaining access and consuming doses that are not used. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions particularly in those who are bipolar, depressed or have an history of mental illness. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which can result in heart attacks or strokes. If medications for adhd experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating consult your physician immediately. Also tell your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever suffered from any kind of stroke or bleeding problem. This medication can cause numbness and pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make it hard to fall asleep.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medication is more efficient than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication due to its security and effectiveness. It is important to keep in mind that this medication could be misused and should never be given to someone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than others. However it is merely anecdotal evidence, and is not yet scientifically proven. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus the brand name, but this might not be the case for all children.
Side effects
When you begin medication to treat ADHD it takes some time to determine the appropriate dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and adjust until they find the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can cause side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It is a stimulant that increases levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, chemicals associated control and attention. It also improves your concentration and reduces anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin could cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death, for those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant medications, can cause weight loss and a decrease 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 if you have a preexisting heart condition or other heart issues and your doctor will keep close check on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include changes in mood, such as depression and anxiety. These effects can affect the behavior of children, which is particularly challenging for children who are still young. In certain instances it can trigger symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also slow the growth in teenagers and children. This is usually temporary, and doesn't alter their height in the future.
There are many kinds of this medication which are available by prescription only. The medication can be taken in the form of a tablet that is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule, which is then opened and sprinkled on food or liquid. Some people use an ingredient that acts quickly and lasts between three and six hours. Some people take it for a longer time which requires an increased dosage.
This medication may interact with certain other drugs including monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It could also increase your your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other drugs or substances. This could alter the effects of their actions. Certain interactions can be harmful, even deadly. You should tell your doctor about all other medicines you or your child are taking, including over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. This can cause severe side effects, including suicidal ideas or actions, seizures, 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 cause the onset of Tourette syndrome or tics for those with these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that a high dose of methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC) and striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation during placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results support the idea that methylphenidate exerts its effect on behavior through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which enhance performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants in particular seem to hinder dopamine reuptake process in certain regions, such the striatum but not in other regions, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD-like symptoms in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some cases, the combination did not perform as well as a single drug. Most people don't need medication to deal with ADHD. Many people can develop more effective ways to cope with the disorder through behavior therapy and skill training.
There are reports that brand-name Ritalin is more efficient than generic Ritalin, but this has not been proven by clinical trials. The two medications are chemically similar, which means they should have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a central nervous system stimulant that can help 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 possible with any substance that alters brain function. This could lead to stroke, heart attack and coma as well as other serious medical problems. It is essential to recognize the symptoms of an overdose on Ritalin to avoid these symptoms and seek medical care.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a variety of causes. Someone may accidentally take too many pills because they did not remember to redose their medication. Other substances may interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they may be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. In the end those with an history of using stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should be aware of the dose, the time it was taken, and if they have consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to more accurately determine how to treat the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, which is used to eliminate any excess drug from the body before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. In addition, the patient could be treated with activated charcoal to prevent any further substance from entering the body. If they feel 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 an area that is secure and where children cannot access it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist for a take-back program. Lastly, do not keep any expired or unusable medicine. Mix the medicine you don't need with cat litter or ground coffee and throw it out.