ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves the way that parts of the brain communicate, which can reduce ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can cause negative side effects like decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and will fade by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant and has been used since decades. It is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the supervision of a doctor.
However there are reports of misuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Therefore, doctors should assess each patient for risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to educate the patient and their family members about the risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any leftover medication. A locked medicine box is ideal, as this keeps children from gaining access and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings especially for those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental health history. Talk with your doctor right now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can cause strokes or heart issues. If you feel chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating, consult your physician immediately. Tell 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 cause numbness and pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make it hard to sleep.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication because of its effectiveness and safety. This medication is susceptible to abuse, and should not be prescribed to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some claim that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence and is not yet scientifically proven. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus the brand name, but this might not be the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the correct dose when starting treatment for ADHD. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to find the best medication. These medicines are extremely effective and can cause side effects, ranging from irritability to sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant, which has methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. buy adhd medication uk increases concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can trigger serious heart problems, including strokes and sudden deaths in people who suffer from certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin like other stimulant medications can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also increase your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. This could be a problem in the event of a preexisting heart condition or heart problems and your doctor will keep a close check on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. These effects can affect children's behavior, which can be particularly challenging for children who are still young. In some instances, it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive sounds or movements such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. However it is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are a variety of kinds of this medication that are available on prescription only. It can be a tablet swallowed, chewed or dissolved, a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food or a liquid. Some people take a short-acting formula that lasts for about three to six hours, while others use it long-term and require more dose.
This medication could interact with other drugs such as antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It could also increase your your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, 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 or even fatal. You should tell your doctor about all other medicines you or your child are taking, including prescription drugs as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. how to treat adhd without medication in adults can cause severe side effects, including suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for those who suffer from circulatory issues like Raynaud's phenomenon or high pressure. It may also aggravate symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics for those with these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation during the placebo and off-medication states in the same regions.
These results support the idea that methylphenidate exerts its effects on behavior through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Particularly, psychostimulants are believed to hinder the reuptake process of dopamine in specific areas, such as the striatum, but not other areas, like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce symptoms of ADHD in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients, however, the combination did not work like a single medication. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD, and most people do not require medications to manage the condition. Skills training and behavior therapy can assist many people in learning better coping strategies.
A few people have reported that brand-name Ritalin is more efficient than generic Ritalin, but this has not been proven by clinical trials. Both drugs are chemically the same, so they should 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 improve mood, focus, and concentration when taken as prescribed. It can also be effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, or coma. Recognizing the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in various ways. A person may take too many pills because they did not remember to refill their prescription. They might also consume other substances that can affect the drug and increase its effect or they could be using it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to dose it correctly. Long-term Ritalin usage can result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have an history of addiction to drugs.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. They should be able provide the first responders with details about the dosage, the time they used it, and the other drugs or substances they consumed. The emergency response team will then be able to decide on the best way to treat the patient. They will usually use the stomach pump (a procedure called gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they are absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical experts. They are treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. Activated charcoal is also administered to the patient in order to stop the drug from entering the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient with fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin, store it in a place where children can't reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. Don't keep any unused or expired medicine. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.