The Ultimate Guide To ADHD Medication Ritalin
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ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat ADHD. It is used to treat it. It works by improving the way that parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can have adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most of these are mild and disappear by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used since decades. It is considered to be safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the guidance of your doctor.
However, there are reports of the abuse of this drug as well as reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Physicians must determine the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to educate patients and their families on this risk of harm and the need for proper disposal of any leftover medication. It is best to use a locked medicine container that will stop children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts, or actions especially in those who are bipolar, depressed, or have an history of mental illness. Consult your doctor now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which can cause heart or stroke. Call your doctor right away in case you are experiencing an increased 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 numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep.
It isn't clear whether the brand-name version of the product is more effective than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication because of its security and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse and should not be given to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people have reported that this medication works better than other medications, but this is only anecdotal and hasn't been proven scientifically. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, but this is not necessarily true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the appropriate dose when you start treatment for ADHD. A healthcare professional will observe the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments to find the most effective treatment. These powerful medicines can cause side effects ranging from sleep issues, irritability and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate, and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also increases concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden death for those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disturbances high blood pressure, a history of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also slightly increase the rate of your child's pulse and blood pressure. This could be a concern if you have a preexisting heart condition or heart problems and your doctor will keep close eye on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include changes in mood, like depression and anxiety. They can also impact behavior which is particularly difficult for children who are taking the drug. In some instances, it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in teenagers and children. This is usually temporary and does not affect their final height.
The medication is available in various forms, but only on prescription. It can be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolving or a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food or a liquid. Some people choose to take an instant-acting formulation that lasts from three to six hours, while others take it long-term and require a higher dosage.
This medication may interact with other medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication may increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma, a potentially deadly adverse side result.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other medications and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all other medicines you or your child are taking, including over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is particularly true for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, such as suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by those with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It may read more also cause more symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the subactivation in the same regions under non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results show that methylphenidate improves performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, additional research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake process in certain regions, such the striatum but not in other regions, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD-like symptoms in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some patients the combination did not work like one medication. Most people don't need medication to cope with ADHD. Skills training and behavior therapy can help a lot of people develop better coping strategies.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It can improve mood, focus, and concentration when prescribed. It can also be effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if misused or used in large doses, overdoses can occur. This can result in heart attack, stroke, coma, and other serious medical issues. Recognizing the symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is vital to preventing these symptoms and taking the appropriate steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in many ways. For instance, a person may overdose because they do not remember to take a dose re-supplement. They could also be taking other substances that can interfere with the drug and enhance its effects or they may be using it recreationally and not know how to dose it correctly. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin could lead to dependence and tolerance that can cause addiction. In the end those with an history of abuse of stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. They must be able to provide the emergency personnel with details about their dosage, when they used it, and the other drugs or substances they took. The emergency response team will determine what they should do to help the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it can be taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by a medical professional. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. Activated charcoal may also be given to the patient to stop the drug from entering their body. If they are feeling hot, the staff at the hospital can cool them down by using fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia.
If you're prescribed Ritalin ensure that you store it in a secure place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Don't keep expired or unused medication. Mix the medicine you don't need with ground coffee or cat litter and then throw it away.