ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can cause side effects, such as sleepiness and a lack of appetite. Most of these side effects are mild and will disappear on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation 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.
Nevertheless there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is taken in therapeutic doses. Doctors must evaluate the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is essential to inform patients and their relatives about the dangers of unused medications and the need to properly dispose of them. It is best to utilize a locked medicine box that will stop children from consuming unneeded medication. It's also a good idea to inform patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially in those who suffer from bipolar disorder or 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 can cause strokes or heart issues. If you feel chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Also tell your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have ever had any type of bleeding or stroke. adhd anxiety medication can cause numbness and pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make it hard to sleep.
It is not clear whether the brand-name version of this medication is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication because of its effectiveness and safety. This medication can be abused and should not be prescribed to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people have reported that this medication performs better than others, but this is purely anecdotal and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents have said that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, but this is not necessarily true for all children.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the proper dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's body reactions and make adjustments until they can find the most effective medication. These powerful medicines can cause side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and decreases anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death in people with certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and an history of cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Ritalin, like other stimulant medications, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It can also increase your your child's pulse rate and blood pressure little. This could be a concern in the event of a preexisting heart condition or heart problems and your doctor will keep close 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 especially difficult for those who are still young. In some instances it can trigger tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. 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.
There are several kinds of this medication which are available by prescription only. The medication can be taken in the form of a tablet that is chewed, dissolving or swallowed. It is also available in the form of a capsule, which is opened and sprinkled over food or liquid. Some people choose to use an ingredient that acts quickly and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term, which requires an increased dosage.
This medication may interact with other drugs such as antidepressants or monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. It may also increase your or your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other drugs and substances, which can alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you or your child take, including supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter medications. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. This could cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors or hallucinations, seizures, or even seizures. best adhd medication is not recommended for people with issues with circulation such as Raynaud's syndrome or high pressure. It may also cause more symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate in medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by normalization of underactivation in placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate improves performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, additional studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. In particular, psychostimulants appear to hinder the reuptake process of dopamine in specific regions, like the striatum, but not in other areas, like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD-like symptoms in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination didn't work as well as one drug. The majority of people don't require medication to manage ADHD. Many people can develop better ways to cope through therapy for behavior and training.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically same, which means they will both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It has also been shown to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD as well as the disorder known as narcolepsy. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, or coma. Being aware of the symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is crucial to preventing these symptoms and taking the necessary step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in a variety of ways. For instance, a person may have a mishap and take too much medication because they do not remember to take a dose re-supplement. Other substances may 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 lead to dependence and tolerance which can lead to addiction. Therefore people with an history of using stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
Contact 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should be aware of the dose, the time it was taken and if they've consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will determine the best course of action to do to help the patient. They typically use the stomach pump (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they are absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical experts. They are treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. In addition, the patient could be treated with activated charcoal to prevent any further drug from entering the body. If they are feeling hot, the staff at the hospital can cool them down using fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin keep it in a location where children can't reach it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Lastly, do not keep any unused or expired medication. Mix the medicine you don't need with ground coffee or cat litter and throw it out.