ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can have negative side effects like reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, most of these are mild and will go away on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters partially responsible for regulating motivation, action, and cognition. It is a psychostimulant and has been used for a long time. It is considered safe when used in the dosages recommended under the guidance of your doctor.
However, there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Doctors must evaluate the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is important to inform patients and their family members about the dangers of taking medications that are not used and the need to appropriately get rid of them. It is best to use a locked medicine box which will prevent children from consuming unneeded medication. It's also a good idea to remind patients not to divulge their medication to anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings especially in those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental illness history. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure, which could lead to strokes or heart problems. If you feel chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if there is any family history of heart disease, sudden death or any time you've had a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication may alter your blood circulation and cause the sensation of numbness or pain to your toes and fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication due to its safety and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse and should not be administered to anyone 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 report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus name-brand, but this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the correct dose when starting medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments to find the most effective medication. These powerful medications can cause adverse reactions that range from irritability, sleep problems and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that has methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death, for those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and an underlying heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also slightly increase your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. This could be a concern in the event of a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems as a result, so your doctor will be on check on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. These side effects can also affect the behavior of children, which is particularly difficult for children who are young. In some instances it can cause the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. However this is usually only temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
The medication is available in a variety of forms, but only with a prescription. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule that is opened and sprinkled over liquid or food items. Some people choose to use a formula that is short-acting and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term, which requires a higher dose.
This medication may interact with other medications, like antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It can also increase your your child's risk of developing 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. Certain interactions could be harmful and even fatal. You should tell your doctor about all other medicines you or your child are taking, including prescription drugs and supplements and vitamins. Ritalin can interact with some antidepressants. This is especially true for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended by those with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. Check This Out can also aggravate symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
A few fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose methylphenidate given to medication responders during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC), and the 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 elicits its effect on behavior by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest the mechanism is more complex than an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in certain areas, such the striatum but not in other areas like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination didn't perform as effectively as a single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not require medications to manage the disorder. Many people can develop better ways to cope through therapy and training.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two medications are chemically similar, which means they should have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that can improve concentration, focus, and mood when used according to the prescribed dosage. It has also been found effective in treating ADD/ADHD as well as narcolepsy. However, like all substances that alters the brain, if misused or used in large quantities, an overdose can occur. This can result in heart attack, stroke and coma as well as other serious medical problems. It is crucial 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. A person may take too many pills because they did not remember to refill their prescription. They may also consume other substances that may affect the drug and increase its effect or they may be taking it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to dose it properly. Long-term Ritalin use can also lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have a history of drug abuse.
Anyone suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. First responders should be aware of the dosage, when it was taken and if they've taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to decide on the best way to treat the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a procedure called gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medication are a way to treat them. Additionally, the patient might be given activated charcoal to stop any further drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient by using fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin, store it in a place in a place where children aren't able to reach it. You may also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Don't keep expired or unused medication. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it.