ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It improves the way parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, like suppressed appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most of these are minor and disappear by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time and is believed to be safe in recommended dosages when taken under the supervision of a doctor.
However, there are reports of the abuse of this drug as well as reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Therefore, doctors should examine each patient for risk and observe these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also crucial to educate the patient and their family members on this risk of harm and the need for proper disposal of any leftover medication. It is best to use a locked medicine box, which prevents children from taking unneeded medication. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share the medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in people who are depressed, bipolar, or have an history of mental illness. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which could cause heart or stroke. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Also, inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have ever had any type of stroke or bleeding problem. This medication can alter your blood circulation and cause numbness or pain in your toes and fingers. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep.
It is not known if the brand-name version is more efficient than its generic counterpart. However, adhd and depression medication prefer the brand-name version because of its safety record and effectiveness. It is also important to remember that this medication is a risk to misused and should not be given to someone who does not suffer from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than other. However, this is only anecdotal evidence and has not yet been scientifically proved. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to name-brand versus generic methylphenidate, but 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 dose. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments to determine the best medication. These powerful medications can cause side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also increases your concentration and decreases anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including sudden death and stroke for those suffering from certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disorders as well as high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also slightly increase the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. This can be a problem if you have a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems and your doctor will keep close watch over your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior, which can be especially difficult for young children taking the medication. In certain instances, it may cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive sounds or movements such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also cause a slowing of growth for children and teens. However, this is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are many types of this medication, that are available on 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 on liquid or food items. Some people take an instant-acting formulation that lasts from three to six hours, whereas others take it long-term and require a higher dose.
This medication can interact with certain other drugs, such as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication can increase the risk of glaucoma caused by angle closure which could be a fatal side result.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other drugs or substances, which may alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. 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 is known to interact with antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can lead to severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by people who have circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate for medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks enhanced activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and striatum 25. These changes were also accompanied by normalization of the reduced activation in the same areas during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results support that methylphenidate enhances performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, additional fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. In particular, psychostimulants appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in specific areas, such as the striatum, but not in other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination didn't perform like one drug. The majority of people don't require medication to manage ADHD. Training in skills and behavior therapy can help a lot of people develop more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically similar, which means they should have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It 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 could lead to stroke, heart attack or coma. Being aware of signs of a Ritalin overdose is critical for preventing these symptoms and taking the necessary steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a variety of reasons. For example, someone may have a mishap and take too much medication because they forget to re-dose their medication. They might also consume other substances that may interfere with the drug and increase its effect or they may be using it for recreational purposes and not know how to properly dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can also lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have a history of drug abuse.
Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should be aware of the dose, when it was taken and if they've consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to better determine how to treat the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, to remove any excess substance from the body prior to it can be taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical professionals. They are treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. Additionally, the patient might be given activated charcoal to stop any more of the drug from entering the body. If they feel hot, the medical staff can cool them down by using fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you're given Ritalin ensure that you store it in a secure place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Don't keep expired or unneeded medication. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.