Don't Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning ADHD Medication Ritalin
Wiki Article
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It improves the way the parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can trigger negative side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. The majority of these side effects are minor and will disappear by themselves or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time and is considered to be safe in recommended dosages when administered under the supervision of a physician.
However, there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is administered at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors should evaluate each patient for the danger and monitor their symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to educate patients and their families about the risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. It is best to use a locked medicine box that will stop children from consuming unneeded medication. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication can cause suicidal thoughts or feelings particularly in people who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression or have a mental health history. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can lead to stroke or heart issues. Contact your doctor immediately in case you are experiencing an increased heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have is a family history of heart disease, sudden death or having suffered a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication can cause numbness or discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not clear whether the brand-name version of this medication is more efficient than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication due to its security and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse and should not be given to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication is more effective than others, however this is only anecdotal and hasn't been proven scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children respond differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate. However, this is not necessarily true for every child.
Side effects
When you begin medication to treat ADHD, it takes some time to find the proper dosage. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments in order to find the most effective treatment. These medicines are extremely effective and may cause adverse effects, from irritability and sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that contains methylphenidate as the active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death in people with certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disorders as well as high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also raise your your child's pulse rate and blood pressure slightly. If you suffer from heart problems or an existing condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, including anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior that can be particularly difficult for website young children taking the drug. In some cases 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 adolescents and children. It is usually temporary and does not affect their final height.
There are several forms of this medication, which are available by prescription only. It could be a tablet swallowed, chewed on or dissolved, a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food items or a liquid. Some people make use of the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term which requires a higher dosage.
This medication could interact with other medications, such as antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It may also increase your your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other medications and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even fatal. It is important to inform your doctor about all the other medicines you or your child taking, including over-the-counter medicines and vitamins and supplements. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is especially the case for those with monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, including suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals who suffer from circulatory issues like Raynaud's phenomenon or high pressure. It may also cause more symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted the activity 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 during non-medication and placebo conditions in the same regions.
These results support the idea that methylphenidate causes its effect on behavior by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest the mechanism is more complex than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, specifically, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in specific areas such as the striatum, but not in other regions, such 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 patients, however, the combination didn't work as well as a single medication. The majority of people don't require medication to cope with ADHD. Behavior therapy and skills training can help many people learn more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
There are reports that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic version, but this has not been confirmed by clinical studies. The two medications are chemically identical, and they are likely to have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that can help improve concentration, focus and mood when taken according to the prescribed dosage. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in heart attack, stroke, or coma. It is crucial to recognize the signs of an overdose Ritalin to avoid these symptoms and seek medical care.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of reasons. One could accidentally consume too many pills since they did not remember to refill their prescription. Other substances may interact with the drug, causing its effects, or they may be using it recreationally without knowing how to do it. Additionally, long-term use of Ritalin can result in tolerance and psychological dependence which can lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those with a history of drug abuse.
Anyone suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. They should be able give the emergency responders specific details regarding their dosage, when they were taking it, as well as any other medications or substances they took. The emergency response team will then be able to decide on the best way to treat the patient. They usually pump the stomach (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they can be absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical professionals. They are treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. Additionally, the patient might be given activated charcoal to prevent any more of the drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists chilled water if they are feeling hot.
If you're given Ritalin ensure that you store it in a secure location where children cannot reach it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist about a take-back program. Do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the expired medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.