ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can cause negative side effects like diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and will disappear on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are important neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating motivation, action, and cognition. It is a psychostimulant and has been used since decades. It is considered safe when used in the dosages recommended under the supervision of your physician.
Nevertheless there have been instances of abuse and addiction even when the drug is taken at therapeutic doses. Physicians must determine each patient's risk and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is crucial to inform patients and their relatives about the dangers of not using medications and the need to properly dispose of them. It is best to use a locked medicine box that will stop children from consuming unneeded medication. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially for those who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression or have a mental illness history. Consult your doctor away if you have any of these symptoms. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which can cause heart or stroke. Get your doctor's attention immediately in case you are experiencing an increased heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Tell your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease, sudden death or if you've ever had an accident or suffered from bleeding issues. This medication can cause numbness or discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medication is more effective than the generic version. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its history of safety and effectiveness. This medication can be abused, and should not be given to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication performs better than others, however this is just anecdotal evidence and hasn't been proven scientifically. Parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate than the brand name, but this might not be true for all children.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD, it takes some time to find the proper dose. A healthcare professional will observe your or your child's bodily reactions and make adjustments until they find the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can cause adverse effects that range from irritability, sleep problems and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also increases concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart problems, including sudden death and stroke for those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disturbances as well as high blood pressure and a history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin as with other stimulant medications, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also increase your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. If you suffer from heart problems or a pre-existing health condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes in mood, including depression and anxiety. They can also affect the way you behave that can be particularly difficult for children who are taking the medication. In certain instances it can cause symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow growth for children and teens. However this is usually only temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
The medication is available in several forms, but only with a prescription. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolving or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule which is opened and sprinkled over food or liquid. Some people take a formula that acts in a short time and lasts for about three to six hours, whereas others take it for a longer time and require more dose.
This medication can interact with certain other drugs like monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication can also increase the chance of developing angle closure glaucoma which could be a fatal adverse side result.
Interactions
Many medications can interact with other substances or drugs. This can alter the effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even fatal. You should tell your doctor about all other medicines you or your child taking, including prescription drugs and vitamins and supplements. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. This could cause severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts, actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals with circulatory problems like Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate in medication responders during time discrimination and stop 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 when compared to non-medication and placebo conditions in the same regions.
These results show that methylphenidate enhances performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, additional studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. In particular, psychostimulants appear to hinder the reuptake process of dopamine in some regions, like the striatum, but not others, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients the combination did not work as well as one medication. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD, and most people do not need them to live with the condition. Many people are able to develop better coping skills through therapy and training.
There are reports that name-brand Ritalin is more efficient than generic Ritalin, but this has not been confirmed by clinical trials. The two medications are chemically similar, which means they should have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. adhd uk medication can boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It can also be effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to stroke, heart attack or coma, as well as other serious medical issues. Being aware of the signs of an Ritalin overdose is critical for preventing these symptoms and taking the appropriate steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in many ways. For example, someone may overdose because they do not remember to take a dose re-supplement. They could also be taking other substances that may affect the drug and increase its effects, or they might be using it recreationally and aren't aware of how to dose it properly. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin could lead to addiction and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. In the end those with a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should use Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
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 can determine the best course of action to do to help the patient. They typically use the stomach pump (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to remove any excess drug from the body before they are taken up by the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medications are a way to treat seizures. In addition, the patient might be given activated charcoal to prevent any further substance from entering the body. If they are feeling hot, the hospital staff can cool them down using fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia.
If you're prescribed Ritalin ensure that you keep it in a secure location where children cannot reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Also, don't keep any expired or unusable medication. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.