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ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It improves brain communication, which reduces ADHD.
ADHD medication can have adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. The majority of these side effects are mild and will disappear by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for decades. It is considered safe when used in the dosages recommended under the guidance of your physician.
However, there are reports of the abuse of this drug as well as reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Therefore, doctors should assess each patient for risk and observe these 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. Using a locked medication box is ideal, as this keeps children from gaining access and consuming doses that are not used. It's also a great idea to inform patients not to divulge their medication to anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions particularly in those who are depressed, bipolar or have a history of mental illness. Discuss with your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. This medication may also raise 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. Also, inform your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever suffered from any kind of bleeding or stroke. This medication may alter your blood circulation and cause discomfort or numbness in your fingers or toes. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not known whether the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication due to its effectiveness and safety. adhd medications for adults is important to remember that this medication can be misused and should never be given to someone who does not suffer from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some claim that this medication is more effective than other. However, this is only anecdotal evidence that is not yet scientifically proven. Some parents have reported that their children respond differently to name-brand versus generic methylphenidate. However, this isn't the case for all children.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD, it takes some 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 best medication. These powerful medications can cause adverse reactions that range from irritability, sleep problems and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a central nervous system stimulant. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and reduces anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin can trigger serious heart problems including stroke and sudden deaths in those with certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure as well as a history or cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It may also raise your or your child's pulse rate and blood pressure slightly. If you have heart issues or an existing medical condition Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, such as depression and anxiety. These effects can affect children's behavior, which can be particularly difficult for children who are still young. In certain instances, it may cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also cause a slowing of growth in teenagers and children. However this is usually only temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
The medication is available in a variety of forms, but only by prescription. It can be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolved, a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or a liquid. Some people use an instant-acting formulation that lasts from three to six hours, while others use it for a longer time and require more dosage.
This medication can interact with other medications, such as antidepressants and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication may also increase the risk of glaucoma caused by angle closure which is a potentially fatal adverse result.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other drugs and substances, which can alter their effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child taking, including prescription drugs and supplements and vitamins. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts, actions, seizures, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by people who have circulatory issues like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate for medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the 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 support the notion that methylphenidate exerts its behavioral effect 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 complicated than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, in particular, are believed to block dopamine reuptake in certain areas like the striatum, but not in other regions like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. However, in a few patients the combination did not work as well as the single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD, and most people do not require medication to manage the disorder. Many people can learn more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy for behavior and training.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically identical, and they are likely to have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It has also been shown to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and the disorder known as narcolepsy. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large amounts, overdoses can happen. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, or even coma. Recognizing the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is critical for preventing these symptoms and taking action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in various ways. For instance, a person could accidentally take too much because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. Other substances can interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they may be using it for recreational purposes, and not know how to dose it. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin can result in dependence and tolerance that could lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those with a history of drug abuse.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dose, when it was taken, and if they have consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will be able to more accurately determine the best treatment for the patient. They typically pump the stomach (a procedure called gastriclavage) to remove any excess drugs from the body before they can be absorption into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical experts. They are treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. Additionally, the patient may be given activated charcoal to block any more of the drug from entering the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists cooled water if they feel hot.
If you are prescribed Ritalin be sure to store it in a secure location where children cannot reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Lastly, do not keep any expired or unusable medication. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.