ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause adverse effects, like suppressed appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most of these are minor and go away on their own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for many years and is considered to be safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the supervision of a doctor.
However, there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is administered in therapeutic doses. Physicians must determine the risk for each patient and monitor their symptoms throughout the treatment. It is essential to inform patients as well as their family members of the dangers of taking medications that are not used and the need to properly get rid of them. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is ideal, as this keeps children from gaining access and accidentally taking unused doses. It's also a great idea to remind patients not to divulge their medication to anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts or behaviors particularly in those who are depressed, bipolar or have an history of mental illness. Discuss with your doctor right now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure that could lead to strokes or heart problems. Call your doctor right away if you have an elevated heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Tell your doctor if there is an ancestor with a history of heart disease, sudden death, or having suffered bleeding or stroke issues. This medication could affect blood circulation and cause the sensation of numbness or pain to your toes and fingers. It can also make it hard to fall asleep.
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 because of its history of safety and effectiveness. It is also important to remember that this medication is a risk to misused and should never be given to someone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication is more effective than other medications, but this is only anecdotal and has not been proven scientifically. Parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to the brand name, but this might not be the case for all children.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the proper dosage. A healthcare professional will observe the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments in order to find the best medication. These medicines are powerful and can cause side consequences, ranging from irritability and sleep disorders to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart problems, such as sudden death and stroke for those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and an history of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin as with other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also raise the blood pressure and pulse rate little. This can be a problem in the event of a preexisting heart condition or heart problems as a result, so your doctor will be on watch over your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include changes in mood, such as anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior which is particularly difficult for children who are just starting to take the drug. In some instances, it can cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow the growth for children and teens. It is usually temporary and doesn't alter their height in the future.
This medication is available in several forms, but only with a prescription. It can be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed on or dissolved or a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or in a liquid. Some people take a short-acting formula that lasts for about three to six hours, whereas others take it for a longer time and require more dose.
This medication can interact with other medications such as antidepressants or monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. It could also increase your or your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other medications or substances, which may alter their effects. 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 and supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is particularly the case for those with monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended by those who suffer from circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in those with these conditions.
Some fMRI research has found that a high dose of methylphenidate administered to patients responding to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation when compared to placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results support that methylphenidate enhances performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. However, additional research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in certain regions, like the striatum, but not other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients, the combination did not work like a single medication. medication for adhd are not the only treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not require medication to manage the disorder. Many people can develop better ways to cope through therapy and training.
A few people have reported that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form, but this has not been proven by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically identical, and they are likely to 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 focus, concentration, and mood when used according to the prescription. It also works in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This could lead to heart attack, stroke or coma, as well as other serious medical issues. Recognizing the signs of an Ritalin overdose is vital to preventing these symptoms and taking steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of factors. One could accidentally take too many pills because they forgot to redose their medication. Other substances can interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they could be using it recreationally without knowing how to dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can also cause tolerance and psychological dependency that can lead addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those who have an addiction history.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They should be able to provide the first responders with details about the dosage, the time they used it, and the other drugs or substances they consumed. The emergency response team can determine what they should do to help the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, which is used to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medications can be used to treat them. Additionally, the patient may be given activated charcoal to prevent any more of the drug from circulating in the body. If they feel hot, the medical staff can cool them down with fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you're prescribed Ritalin ensure that you keep it in a secure place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Lastly, do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the expired medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.