ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It improves the way the parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can have side effects such as a reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of these are mild and will go away on their own or over 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 that has been used for many years and is considered safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the guidance by a physician.
However there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors must evaluate each patient for the danger and monitor their symptoms throughout treatment. It is crucial to inform patients and their relatives about the dangers of taking medications that are not used and the need to appropriately dispose of them. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is a good idea, since it keeps children from gaining access and taking doses that are not needed. It is also a great idea to inform patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in those who are depressed, bipolar, or have a history of mental illness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Iam Psychiatry can also cause an increase in blood pressure, which could lead to strokes or heart issues. Get your doctor's attention immediately if you have an elevated heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Inform your doctor if there is any family history of heart disease, sudden death or if you've ever had a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication may alter your blood circulation and cause discomfort or numbness in your toes and fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It is not known if the brand-name version is more effective than the generic version. However many doctors prefer the brand-name version due its safety record and effectiveness. This medication can be abused and should not be administered to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication works better than others, however this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proven scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children respond differently to name-brand versus generic methylphenidate. However, this isn't necessarily the case for every child.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's or your own's bodily reactions and make adjustments until they discover the most effective medication. These powerful medicines can cause adverse reactions that range from sleep disorders, irritability and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a nerve 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 reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart issues, including strokes and sudden deaths for patients who suffer from certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure, as well as a history or heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin as with other stimulant medications, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. 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, so your doctor will be on check on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other adverse effects include changes in mood, such as anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior that can be particularly difficult for young children taking the medication. In certain instances, it may cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repeated sounds or movements such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow the growth in children and teenagers. However, this is usually temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
The medication is available in various forms, but only by prescription. It can be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolved or a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food items or a liquid. Some people use a short-acting formula that lasts from three to six hours, while others take it long-term and require more dose.
This medication can interact with certain other drugs, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It could also increase your your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other drugs or substances. This can alter the effects of their actions. Some interactions can be dangerous or even fatal. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child are taking, including prescription drugs and vitamins and supplements. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This could cause severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts, seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by those who suffer from circulatory problems like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation when compared to placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results support the notion that methylphenidate exerts its effects on behavior by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine levels, which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, other fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Particularly, psychostimulants are believed to block the reuptake of dopamine in certain areas, such as the striatum, but not other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases, the combination did not work as well as a single medication. Most people don't require medication to deal with ADHD. Many people are able to develop more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy for behavior and training.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two drugs are chemically identical, and they are likely to have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It can also be effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large quantities, an overdose can occur. This could lead to stroke, heart attack or coma, as well as other serious medical issues. Being aware of the symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is critical for preventing these symptoms and taking the appropriate step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in various ways.
