ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It improves brain communication, which reduces ADHD.
ADHD medication can have negative side effects like decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, most of these are mild and will go away by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for decades. It is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the supervision of a physician.
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 for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to educate patients and their families on this risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any leftover medication. It is best to use a locked medicine container, which prevents children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share the medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions particularly in those who are bipolar, depressed, or have a history of mental illness. Consult your doctor now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which could result in heart attacks or strokes. If you experience chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever suffered from any kind of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication may affect your blood circulation, causing numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It is not clear whether the brand-name version is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication because of its effectiveness and safety. It is also important to remember that this medication can be misused and should never be administered to a person who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
more.. believe that this medication is more effective than others. However it is merely anecdotal evidence, and has not yet been scientifically verified. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate than brand name, however this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dose. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to determine the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can trigger side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a nerve system stimulant that contains methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It is a stimulant that increases levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart problems, such as sudden death and stroke in those with certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and an underlying cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Ritalin like other stimulant medications can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also cause a slight increase in your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. This could be a problem if you have a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems as a result, so your doctor will keep close check on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also impact behavior which is particularly difficult for children who are just starting to take the drug. In some cases it can 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 the growth in children and teenagers. However it is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
This medication is available in several forms, but only on prescription. It can be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed on or dissolved, a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or a liquid. Some people take a short-acting formula that lasts from three to six hours, while others take it long-term and require more dosage.
This medication can interact with other medications such as antidepressants or monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It may also increase your your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other drugs and substances, which could alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous, even deadly. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you or your child take, including vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter medications. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is especially true for those that contain monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can lead to severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts, seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals who suffer from circulatory issues, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or high pressure. It may also cause more symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Some fMRI research has found that an acute dose of methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and time discrimination tasks increased the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the underactivation in the same regions during non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results support that methylphenidate enhances performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. However, additional studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex 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 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 patients however, the combination didn't work as well as a single medication. Most people don't require medication to cope with ADHD. Many people are able to develop better coping skills through therapy and training.
Clinical trials have not confirmed that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically the same, so they should both have the same effects on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It is also effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in stroke, heart attack, coma, and other serious medical problems. Recognizing the signs of an Ritalin overdose is crucial to the prevention of these symptoms and taking steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a variety of causes. For instance, a person could accidentally take too much because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. Other substances may interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they could be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to dose it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin can lead to addiction and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have an addiction history.
Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dose, the time it was taken and if they've consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will be able to more accurately determine how to treat the patient. They will usually use the stomach pump (a procedure called gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they can be absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, and anyone who is who is experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by medical professionals. Antiseizure and fluids can be used to treat them. Activated charcoal may also be administered to the patient to prevent the drugs from entering the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient by using fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you're prescribed Ritalin be sure to keep it in a secure area where children cannot get it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the expired medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.