ADHD Medication - Ritalin

Ritalin is a stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves the way that parts of the brain communicate, which can reduce ADHD symptoms.

ADHD medication can have negative side effects like diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. most common adhd medications of these side effects are mild and will disappear by themselves or over time.

Dosage

Ritalin can increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters responsible for controlling motivation as well as action and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for many years and is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages taken under the guidance of a physician.

Nevertheless, there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is administered at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors should examine each patient for risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is essential to inform patients and family members of the dangers of not using medications and the need to properly dispose of them. A locked medicine box is a good idea, since it will stop children from accessing and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share the medication with anyone.

This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings especially in those who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental illness history. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which could cause heart or stroke. Call your doctor right away if you have an elevated heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Also, inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've previously suffered any type of bleeding or stroke. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.

It isn't known whether the brand-name version is more efficient than its generic counterpart. However, many doctors prefer the brand-name version due to its history of safety and effectiveness. It is also important to note that this medication is a risk to abused and should never be given to someone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.

Some individuals have reported that this medication performs better than others, however this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proven scientifically. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to generic versus name-brand methylphenidate, but this isn't the case for all children.

Side effects

When you begin medication to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments to determine the best medication. These medicines are powerful and can have side effects, from irritability and sleep disorders to serious cardiovascular events.

Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can trigger serious heart problems, including strokes and sudden deaths in people with certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and a history or cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.

Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also increase the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. This could be a concern when you have a prior heart condition or other heart issues and your doctor will keep close eye on your heart rate and blood pressure.

Other side effects include changes to mood, such as depression and anxiety. They can also impact behavior, which can be especially difficult for young children taking the drug. In certain instances, it may cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in adolescents and children. This is usually temporary and does not alter their height in the future.

This medication is available in a variety of forms, but only by prescription. It can be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed on or dissolved, a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food items or a liquid. Some people use an instant-acting formulation that lasts between three and six hours, while others use it long-term and require more dosage.

This medication can interact with other drugs including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It may also increase your your child's chance of suffering from 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 life-threatening. Inform your doctor about any other medications you and your child is taking, such as supplements and vitamins, as well as prescription drugs. Ritalin can interact with some antidepressants. This is particularly true for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.

MAOIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. This could cause severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people who suffer from circulatory issues, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or high pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in those who have these conditions.

Some fMRI research has found that a high dose of methylphenidate administered to patients responding to medication during stop-and time discrimination tasks increased the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the reduced activation in the same regions during the placebo and off-medicament conditions.

These results show that methylphenidate can improve performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest the mechanism is more complicated than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. In particular, psychostimulants appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in some regions, like the striatum, but not in others, such as the frontal lobes.

In one study, a combination between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some patients, however, the combination didn't perform as effectively as one drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not require them to live with the condition. Many people can develop better ways to cope through therapy and training.

Clinical trials haven't proven that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two medications are chemically identical, and they should have similar effects on the majority of people.

Overdose

Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, is a stimulant of the central nervous system that improves concentration, focus and mood when taken according to the prescription. It has also been shown to be to be effective in treating ADD/adhd depression medication medication ritalin - proect.org, and the disorder known as narcolepsy. But, as with any drug that alters the brain, if misused or taken in large amounts, overdose can occur. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, or even coma. Being aware of symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is vital to stopping these symptoms and taking step to seek medical attention.

A Ritalin Overdose can happen in various ways. For instance, a person could overdose because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. They may also consume other substances that can interfere with the drug and increase its effects or they may be using it for recreational purposes and not know how to properly dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have an history of addiction to drugs.

Contact 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They must be able to give the emergency responders specific details regarding the dosage, the time they were taking it, as well as any other drugs or substances they consumed. The emergency response team can determine the best course of action to do to help the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, which is used to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Ritalin can trigger seizures. People who experience these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medications are a way to treat them. Activated charcoal can also be given to the patient in order to prevent the drug from entering their body. If they are feeling hot, the medical staff can cool them down by using fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.

If you've been prescribed Ritalin, store it in an area where children can't reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. Lastly, do not keep any unused or expired medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.