ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate, which can reduce ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can cause negative side effects, including sleepiness and a lack of appetite. However, most of these are mild and will go away by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are vital neurotransmitters responsible for controlling motivation, action, and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for many years and is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages administered under the supervision of a doctor.
However there have been instances of abuse and addiction even when the drug is administered in therapeutic doses. Physicians must determine the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is essential to inform patients and relatives about the dangers of taking medications that are not used and the need to properly get rid of them. It is recommended to use a locked medicine box that will stop children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share the medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, particularly in people who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental health history. Discuss with your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which can cause stroke or heart problems. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating consult your physician immediately. Inform your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease, sudden death or having suffered an accident or suffered from bleeding issues. This medication may alter your blood circulation and cause numbness or pain in your toes and fingers. It can also make it difficult to sleep.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medication 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 prescribed to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people have reported that this medication is more effective than other medications, but this is just anecdotal evidence and has not been proven scientifically. Parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate than brand name, however this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the right dose when beginning medication to treat ADHD. A doctor will be able to monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and adjust until they discover the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can cause side effects ranging from sleep issues, irritability and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that has methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. These are chemicals that help with control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death for those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disturbances as well as high blood pressure and a history of cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Ritalin like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It may also increase the rate of your child's pulse and blood pressure. If you have heart problems or a pre-existing condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also impact behavior which is particularly difficult for young children taking the drug. In certain instances it can trigger symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow down growth in children and adolescents. It is usually temporary and doesn't alter their height in the future.
There are several types of this medication, that are available with a prescription only. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule, that is opened and sprinkled over liquid or food items. Some people take a short-acting formula that lasts from three to six hours, while others use it long-term and require an increased dose.
This medication could interact with other medications like antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication can also increase the chance of developing angle closure glaucoma, a potentially deadly adverse effect.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other substances or drugs. This can change the effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even fatal. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you or your child are taking, including supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter medications. Ritalin may interact with certain 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 can lead to serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. adult adhd treatments www.iampsychiatry.uk is not recommended by people who have circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown 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 (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC), and striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation in the placebo and off-medication states in the same regions.
These results support the idea that methylphenidate causes its behavioral effect by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in certain areas such as the striatum, but not in other areas, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination 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 one medication. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD, and most people don't require medication to manage the disorder. Behavior therapy and skills training can assist many people in learning more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically same, so they should both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin is a stimulant of the central nervous system that improves focus, concentration and mood when used as prescribed. It has also been shown to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and the disorder known as narcolepsy. But, as with any drug that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large quantities, an overdose can occur. This could lead to stroke, heart attack and coma as well as other serious medical issues. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of an overdose on Ritalin in order to prevent these symptoms and seek medical attention.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of factors. For instance, a person could overdose because they do not remember to take a dose re-supplement. Other substances can interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they may be taking it for recreational purposes and not know how to dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can cause tolerance and psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. As a result those with an history of using stimulants or other drugs should use Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dose, the time it was taken, and if they have consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will be able to determine the best treatment for the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, a procedure called gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess drug from the body before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures, so anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. They are treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. Activated charcoal can also be administered to the patient in order to stop the drug from circulating into their body. If they feel hot, the hospital staff can cool them down with fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia.
If you're given Ritalin be sure to store it in a safe place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Don't keep expired or unneeded medication. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it.