13 Things You Should Know About ADHD Medication Ritalin That You Might Not Have Known
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause side effects such as a diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. However, the majority of these are mild and will go away on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time and is believed to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages administered under the supervision by a physician.
Nevertheless, there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is administered at therapeutic doses. Therefore, physicians need to evaluate each patient for the risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to inform patients and their families on this risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unneeded medication. It is best to utilize a locked medicine container which will prevent children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also a great idea to tell patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may cause suicidal thoughts, or actions particularly in those who are bipolar, depressed or have an history of mental illness. Discuss with your doctor right immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure that can lead to stroke or heart problems. Get your doctor's attention immediately when you experience a high heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have is an ancestor with a history of heart disease, sudden death or having suffered a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It is not clear whether the brand-name version of this medicine is more efficient than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication due to its safety and effectiveness. It is also important to note that this medication is a risk to abused and should never be given to someone who isn't suffering from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some people have reported that this medication performs better than others, but this is purely anecdotal and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to name-brand versus generic methylphenidate, but this isn't the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the correct dose when starting medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments to find the most effective medication. These medicines are extremely effective and may cause adverse effects, ranging from irritability to sleep issues to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant, which has methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also improves your concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden deaths in people with certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and an underlying heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It can also slightly increase the rate of your child's pulse and blood pressure. If you have heart issues or a pre-existing condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect the way you behave which is particularly difficult for children who are just starting to take the drug. In some cases it can cause the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also slow growth in adolescents and children. However it is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are several forms of this medication, that are available on prescription only. The medication can be taken as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule, that is opened and sprinkled over liquid or food items. Some people choose to take an instant-acting formulation that lasts from three to six hours, while others use it for a longer time and require a higher dose.
This medication may interact with certain other drugs including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It may also increase your your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other medications and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions can be harmful or even fatal. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you and your child take, including supplements and vitamins, as well as prescription drugs. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well as hallucinations, seizures, and seizures. Ritalin should not be taken by those with circulatory issues like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also cause the onset of Tourette syndrome or tics in those who have these conditions.
A few fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose methylphenidate given to medication responders during stop-and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the underactivation in the same regions under placebo and off medication conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate causes its effects on behavior through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. adhd and depression medication in particular are believed to block dopamine reuptake in certain areas such as the striatum, but not in other regions, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced ADHD-like symptoms in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some cases the combination did not work as well as a single medication. Most people don't need medication to manage ADHD. Many people can develop more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy and training.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically identical, and therefore should both have the same effects on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin is a stimulant for the central nervous system that can improve concentration, focus and mood when used as prescribed. It also works in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or taken in large amounts, overdose can occur. This could lead to stroke, heart attack and coma as well as other serious medical issues. It is essential to be aware of 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 number of reasons. One could accidentally take too many pills due to the fact that they didn't remember to redose their medication. Other substances may interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they may be using it for recreational purposes, and not know how to dose it. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin can lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. In the end, those who have an history of using stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
Contact adhd without medication 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 medications or substances. The emergency response team will be able to better decide on the best way to treat the patient. They will usually pump the stomach (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they can be taken up by the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures, and anyone who is suffering from these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. Antiseizure and fluids are a way to treat seizures. In addition, the patient may be given activated charcoal to stop any further drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient by using fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.
If you're prescribed Ritalin be sure to store it in a secure area where children cannot get it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Also, don't keep any unused or expired medicine. Instead, mix the expired medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.