There's Enough! 15 Things About ADHD Medication Ritalin We're Overheard
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can cause adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most of these are mild and will go away on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for many years and is considered safe in recommended dosages when taken under the supervision by a physician.
However, there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Therefore, physicians need to assess each patient for risk and observe these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to educate patients and their families about the dangers and the need for proper disposal of any unused medication. A locked medicine box is a good idea, since it prevents children from accessing and consuming doses that are not used. It's also a good idea to inform patients not to divulge their medication to anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal feelings or thoughts, particularly in people who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental health history. Consult your doctor now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which could result in heart attacks or strokes. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating contact your doctor immediately. Also, inform your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever had any type of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medication is more efficient than the generic version. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its safety record and effectiveness. It is also important to keep in mind that this medication could be misused and should not be administered to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than others. However, this is only anecdotal evidence, and is not yet scientifically proven. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate. However, this isn't the case for every child.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD it takes some time to determine the appropriate dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments in order to find the most effective treatment. These medications are potent and may cause adverse effects, ranging from irritability to sleep issues to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant, which has methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also increases concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including strokes and sudden deaths in those who suffer from certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and the possibility of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also increase your or your child's blood pressure and pulse rate slightly. If you have heart issues or a pre-existing health condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect the way you behave, which can be especially difficult for children who are taking the drug. In some cases it can cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. adhd medication for adults uk can also slow growth in children and adolescents. This is usually temporary, and doesn't affect their final height.
There are many forms of this medication, which are available by prescription only. The medication is available as a tablet, which can be chewed, dissolved, or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule which is then opened and sprinkled over food or liquid. Some people take an instant-acting formulation that lasts from three to six hours, whereas others take it long-term and require more dose.
This medication may interact with other medications including monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It can also increase your your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other substances or drugs. This can change the effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should inform your doctor about all the other medications you or your child are taking, including prescription drugs as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin can interact with some antidepressants. This is especially the case for those with monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, including suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by people who have issues with circulation, such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also cause the onset of Tourette syndrome or tics in people who suffer from these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate in medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks enhanced activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the striatum 25. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the underactivation in the same areas during the placebo and off-medicament conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate causes its effect on behavior by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. However, additional studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Particularly, psychostimulants are believed to block the reuptake of dopamine in certain 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 decreased ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in some patients the combination didn't work as well as the single drug. There is no one-stop treatment for ADHD, and most people do not require medication to manage the disorder. Training in skills and behavior therapy can help many people learn more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
A few people have reported that brand-name Ritalin is more effective than the generic version however this hasn't been proven by clinical trials. Both drugs are chemically the same, so they should both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can improve mood, focus, and concentration when taken as prescribed. It can also be effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. However, like all substances that alters the brain, if it is misused or taken in large quantities, an overdoses can happen. This could lead to stroke, heart attack or coma. It is important to identify the signs of an overdose on Ritalin in order to prevent these symptoms and seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a variety of reasons. For example, someone may overdose because they do not remember to take a dose re-supplement. Other substances may interact with the drug, causing its effects, or they may be using it for recreational purposes, and not know how to 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 with an history of addiction to drugs.
Contact best adhd medication if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They should be able give the emergency responders details about the dosage, the time they took it, and what other drugs or substances they took. The emergency response team will then be able to determine how to treat the patient. They typically pump the stomach (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to remove any excess drug from the body before they are absorption into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by a medical professional. Antiseizure and fluids are a way to treat seizures. Activated charcoal is also administered to the patient to stop the drug from circulating into the body. If they are feeling hot, the staff at the hospital can cool them down by using fans and mists of water to avoid hyperthermia.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin, store it in a place that is secure and where children cannot access it. You may also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Also, don't keep any expired or unusable medicine. Mix the unused medicine with cat litter or ground coffee and then throw it away.