10 Things You Learned From Kindergarden To Help You Get Started With ADHD Medication Ritalin
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication that is 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 negative side effects like reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. The majority of these side effects are mild and will go away on their o own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time. It is considered safe when used in the dosages recommended under the guidance of your doctor.
Nevertheless there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is administered in therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors must evaluate each patient for the risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also crucial to educate the patient and their family members about the dangers and the need for proper disposal of any unneeded medication. It is best to use a locked medicine container which will prevent children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings especially for those who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression or have a mental health history. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which can cause heart or stroke. Call your doctor right away in case you are experiencing an elevated heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Also tell your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have previously suffered any type of stroke or bleeding problem. This medication can alter your blood circulation and cause the sensation of numbness or pain to your toes or fingers. It can also make it difficult to sleep.
It is not known whether the brand-name version of the product is more efficient than its generic counterpart. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version due to its safety record and effectiveness. It is also important to note that this medication could be abused and should never be administered to a person who is not suffering from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication works better than others, however this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proved scientifically. Parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus the brand name, but this might not be the case for all children.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD, it takes some time to find the proper dose. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments in order to find the best medication. These powerful medications can cause side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart issues, including sudden death and stroke for those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can cause a decreased appetite and weight loss. I Am Psychiatry may also increase the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. If you have heart issues or a pre-existing medical condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include changes in mood, such as depression and anxiety. These side effects can affect the behavior of children, which is particularly difficult for children who are still young. In some instances, it may cause tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in children and adolescents. It is usually temporary and does not alter their height at the end of the day.
There are many types of this medication, which are available by prescription only. It can be a tablet swallowed, chewed or dissolving in a capsule open and sprinkled onto food items or a liquid. Some people use a formula that acts in a short time and lasts from three to six hours, while others take it long-term and require an increased dosage.
This medication may interact with other medications, such as antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication may also increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma, a potentially deadly adverse result.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other drugs and substances, which could alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous or even fatal. You should tell your doctor about all other medications you or your child is taking, including prescription drugs and supplements and vitamins. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This could cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts and actions as well as hallucinations, seizures, and seizures. Ritalin should not be used by those with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
A few fMRI studies have revealed 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 (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the reduced activation in the same regions under non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate causes 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, additional fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. In particular, psychostimulants appear to hinder the reuptake process of dopamine in certain areas, such as the striatum, but not others, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in certain patients the combination did not perform as well as a single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD and the majority of people don't require medications to manage the condition. Many people can develop more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy for behavior and training.
A few people have reported that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been confirmed by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have the same effects on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It has also been shown to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and narcolepsy. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large doses, overdoses can occur. This could lead to stroke, heart attack, or even coma. It is important to identify the signs of an overdose on Ritalin in order to prevent these symptoms and seek medical care.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in a variety of ways. A person may take too many pills because they forgot to refill their prescription. Other substances may interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they could be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to dose it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin can result in dependence and tolerance which can lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with an history of addiction to drugs.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should be aware of the dose, the time it was taken and if they've consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to better determine how to treat the patient. They typically perform a stomach pump (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to remove any excess drug from the body before they can be absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures, so anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medication are a way to treat them. In addition, the person could be treated with activated charcoal to prevent any more of the drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient by using fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin keep it in a place in a place where children aren't able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Lastly, do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it.