ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate, which can reduce ADHD symptoms.
medication for adhd in adults can have adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most of these are minor and go away by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are important neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating motivation actions, cognition, and motivation. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for decades and is considered safe in recommended dosages when taken under the guidance by a physician.
Nevertheless there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is administered at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors should evaluate each patient for the risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families about the dangers and the necessity of proper disposal of any leftover medication. Using a locked medication box is a good idea, since it prevents children from accessing and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially for those who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental illness history. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication can also cause an increase in blood pressure that can lead to stroke or heart issues. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating consult your physician immediately. Also tell your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've previously suffered any type of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication may affect blood circulation, causing numbness or pain in your fingers or toes. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not known if the brand-name version of this medicine is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name version because of its safety and effectiveness. This medication can be abused and should not be given to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However, this is only anecdotal evidence, and is not yet scientifically proved. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus brand name, however this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
When you begin medication to treat ADHD, it takes some time to find the right dosage. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to determine the most effective medication. These powerful medications can cause side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a central nervous system stimulant. It is a stimulant that increases levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also increases your concentration and decreases anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including strokes and sudden deaths for those with certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure as well as the possibility of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin like 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. If you suffer from heart problems or an existing condition, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. These side effects can affect children's behavior, which is particularly difficult for children who are young. 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 cause a slowing of growth in children and teenagers. It is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are many types of this medication, that are available with a prescription only. The medication is available as a tablet, which can be chewed, dissolved, or swallowed. It is also available in the form of a capsule which is then opened and sprinkled over liquid or food items. Some people take a formula that acts in a short time and lasts for about three to six hours, whereas others take it long-term and require an increased dosage.
This medication could interact with other drugs such as antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It could 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 can alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should inform your doctor about all the other medicines you or your child taking, including over-the-counter medicines as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin can interact with other antidepressants. This is particularly true for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects like suicidal thoughts, actions, seizures, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals with circulatory problems, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or high pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Some fMRI studies have found that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by normalization of underactivation during the placebo and off-medication states in the same regions.
These results show that methylphenidate improves performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, additional research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in some areas, such as the striatum, but not in other areas, like the frontal lobes.
In adhd medications for adults , a mixture between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some cases, the combination did not perform as effectively as a single medication. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD and the majority of people don't require medication to manage the condition. Many people can develop better coping skills through therapy for behavior and training.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically same, so they should both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This could lead to stroke, heart attack or coma. Recognizing the symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of reasons. Someone may accidentally consume too many pills since they did not remember to redose their medication. They might also consume other substances that may affect the drug and enhance its effects or they could be taking it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to properly dose it. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin can lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Therefore people with a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should use Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
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 drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then better determine what to do to treat the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, which is used to eliminate any excess drug from the body before it can be taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. People who experience these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical experts. Fluids and antiseizure medication can be used to treat them. Activated charcoal is also administered to the patient in order to stop the drug from circulating into the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient by using fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin put it in an area that is secure and where children cannot access it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. Do not keep any expired or unused medication. Instead, mix the unused medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it.