ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It helps improve brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, like sleepiness and a lack of appetite. The majority of these side effects are mild and will disappear on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time and is considered safe in recommended dosages when taken under the guidance of a doctor.
However there are reports of the abuse of this drug as well as reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Physicians must assess the risk of each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also essential to educate the patient and their family members on this risk of harm and the need for proper disposal of any unneeded medication. adhd adult medication locked medicine box is a good idea, since it prevents children from accessing and consuming doses that are not used. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share the 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 health history. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which could cause stroke or heart problems. If you experience chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating contact your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever had any type of bleeding or stroke. This medication may affect blood circulation, causing the sensation of numbness or pain to your fingers or toes. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not known whether the brand-name version of the product is more efficient than its generic counterpart. However, many doctors prefer the brand-name version due its history of safety and effectiveness. It is important to keep in mind that this medication can be misused and should not be administered to a person who isn't 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 said that their children react differently to generic versus name-brand methylphenidate, but this isn't the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the right dose when beginning treatment for ADHD. A healthcare professional will observe the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments in order to find the best medication. These medications are potent and can cause side effects, from irritability and sleep disorders to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant, which has methylphenidate as the active ingredient. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and reduces anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death, for those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disorders as well as high blood pressure and an underlying heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin as with other stimulant medications, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It can also slightly increase 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 have heart problems and your doctor will be on check on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also impact behavior that can be particularly difficult for children who are taking the drug. 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 growth in adolescents and children. However this is usually only temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are many types of this medication, which are available by prescription only. It can be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolved in a capsule opened and sprinkled on food or in a liquid. Some people make use of the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term and require a higher dose.
This medication may interact with other drugs such as antidepressants or monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication can also increase the risk of glaucoma caused by angle closure, a potentially deadly adverse consequence.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other drugs or substances. This could alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you or your child take, including supplements and vitamins, as well as prescription medications. 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 serious side effects, including suicidal ideas or actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by people who have circulatory issues such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown 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 underactivation when compared to the placebo and off-medication states in the same regions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate improves performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. However, additional fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake process in certain regions like the striatum, but not in other areas like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce ADHD-like symptoms in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some cases, the combination did not perform as well as one drug. Most people don't need medication to cope with ADHD. Many people can develop more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy and training.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically the same, which means they will both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It has also been found effective in treating ADD/ADHD and the disorder known as narcolepsy. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to stroke, heart attack or even coma. Recognizing the symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is crucial to the prevention of these symptoms and taking action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of causes. For instance, a person could overdose because they forget to re-dose their medication. Other substances may interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they could be using it recreationally without knowing how to dose it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin could lead to addiction and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Therefore those with a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should be aware of the dose, when it was taken and if they've consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to decide on the best way to treat the patient. They usually use the stomach pump (a procedure called gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they can be taken up by the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. People who experience these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medications can be used to treat them. Activated charcoal can also be administered to the patient to stop the drugs from entering their body. If they are feeling hot, the hospital staff can cool them down with fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin put it in a place that is secure and where children cannot access it. You may also ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. Also, don't keep any unused or expired medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.