The No. 1 Question Everybody Working In ADHD Medication Ritalin Needs To Know How To Answer
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves the way parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, like sleepiness and a lack of appetite. Most of these side effects are minor and will fade on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for many years and is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages taken under the guidance of a doctor.
However there have been instances of abuse and addiction even when the drug is administered in therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is important to inform patients and family members about the dangers of unused medications and the need to appropriately dispose of them. A locked medicine box is a good idea, since it keeps children from gaining access and consuming doses that are not used. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in people who are bipolar, depressed, or have a history of mental illness. Consult your doctor away if you have any of these symptoms. This medication can also cause an increase in blood pressure that can cause strokes or heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately in case you are experiencing an elevated heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Also tell your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have previously suffered any type of bleeding or stroke. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not known if the brand-name version is more efficient than the generic version. However many doctors prefer the brand-name version due to its proven safety and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse, and should not be given to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication performs better than other medications, but this is just anecdotal evidence and hasn't been proved scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate than the brand name, but this might not be the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the right dose when beginning medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare professional will observe your child's or your own's bodily reactions and make adjustments until they discover the most effective treatment. These powerful medicines can cause side effects ranging from sleep issues, irritability and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. adhd adults medication could cause serious heart problems, including strokes and sudden deaths in patients with certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure as well as an underlying heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It may also cause a slight increase in the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. If you have heart issues or an existing condition Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes in mood, such as depression and anxiety. These side effects can also affect children's behavior, which can be particularly difficult for children who are young. In some cases it can cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in children and adolescents. It is usually temporary and does not affect their final height.
There are several forms 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 may also be available in the form of a capsule, that is opened and sprinkled on liquid or food items. Some people take a short-acting formula that lasts for about three to six hours, while others use it long-term and require more dosage.
This medication can interact with other medications, such as antidepressants and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. It can also increase your or your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications can interact with other drugs or substances. This can alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child take, including supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter medications. Ritalin can interact with some antidepressants. This is particularly true for those that contain monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts and actions, seizures, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals with circulatory problems like Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It can also cause the onset of Tourette syndrome or tics in those who have these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate for medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks enhanced activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation in 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. Other fMRI and behavioral studies 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 specific areas, like the striatum, but not others, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD-like symptoms in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some cases, however, the combination didn't perform like one drug. Most people don't require medication to cope with ADHD. Skills training and behavior therapy can help many people learn more effective strategies for coping.
Some people anecdotally report that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been proven by clinical trials. The two medications are chemically identical, and they should have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a stimulant for the central nervous system that improves focus, concentration and mood when used according to the prescribed dosage. It also works in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if misused or used in large amounts, overdoses can happen. This can lead to stroke, heart attack or even coma. Being aware of the symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking the necessary step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in many ways. For instance, a person may accidentally take too much because they do not remember to take a dose re-supplement. Other substances may interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they may be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to do it. Long-term Ritalin use can also result in tolerance and a psychological dependency that can lead addiction. Therefore those with an history of using stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. They should be able provide the first responders with details about the dosage, the time they used it, and the other medications or substances they consumed. The emergency response team can determine what they should do to treat the person. They usually use the stomach pump (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to remove any excess drug from the body before they can be absorption 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 medications to prevent seizures. Activated charcoal can also be given to the patient in order to prevent the drug from entering the body. If they feel hot, the staff at the hospital can cool them down with fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin put it in a location in a place where children aren't able to reach it. You may also ask your pharmacist about a take-back program. Don't keep expired or unused medicine. Mix the unused medicine with cat litter or ground coffee and throw it out.