A Productive Rant About ADHD Medication Ritalin
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat ADHD. It is used to treat it. It works by improving the way the parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can have adverse effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are mild and will disappear on their o own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for a long time. It is considered to be safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the guidance of your physician.
Nevertheless there have been instances of abuse and addiction even when the drug is administered at therapeutic doses. Therefore, physicians need to examine each patient for danger and monitor their symptoms throughout treatment. It is important to inform patients as well as their family members of the dangers of taking medications that are not used and the need to properly dispose of them. A locked medicine box is ideal, as this will stop children from accessing and consuming doses that are not used. It is also a great idea to tell patients not to divulge their medication to anyone.
This medication may cause suicidal thoughts or actions especially in those who are bipolar, depressed, or have an history of mental illness. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure which can cause strokes or heart problems. Call your doctor right away if you have a high heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have is a family history of heart disease, sudden death, or any time you've had a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication may alter your blood circulation and cause discomfort or numbness in your toes or fingers. It can also make it hard to fall asleep.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medicine is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication due to its effectiveness and safety. The medication is a risk for abuse, and should not be given to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people have reported that this medication performs better than other medications, but this is just anecdotal evidence and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to 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 treatment for ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments in order to find the most effective medication. These powerful medications can cause side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a nerve system stimulant that has methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. These are chemicals that help with control and attention. It also improves your concentration and decreases anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems, including sudden death and stroke in those with certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disturbances as well as high blood pressure and an history of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant medications, 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. This could be a problem if you have a preexisting heart condition or other heart issues, so your doctor will keep a close eye on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include changes to mood, such as depression and anxiety. They can also affect the way you behave that can be particularly difficult for children who are just starting to take the medication. In some cases it can cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in teenagers and children. This is usually temporary, and does not alter their height in the future.
There are several kinds of this medication that are available with a prescription only. It could be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolving, a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or in a liquid. Some people take a formula that acts in a short time and lasts between three and six hours, while others take it long-term and need a higher dose.
This medication may interact with certain other drugs like monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. 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 are able to interact with other drugs or substances, which may alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous or even fatal. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medicines you or your child taking, including over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, such as suicidal ideas or actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people who suffer from circulatory issues such as Raynaud's syndrome or high pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the striatum 25. medication for adhd adults were accompanied with normalization of the reduced activation in the same areas during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate can improve performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, are believed to block dopamine reuptake process in certain regions like the striatum, but not in other regions like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce symptoms of ADHD in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some patients, however, the combination did not work as well as a single medication. Most people don't require medication to manage ADHD. Many people can learn more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy and training.
A few people have reported that brand-name Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been proven by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically identical, so they should have the same effect on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin is a stimulant for the central nervous system that can help improve focus, concentration and mood when used according to the prescription. It is also effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This could lead to heart attack, stroke or coma, as well as other serious medical issues. Being aware of signs of an Ritalin overdose is vital to preventing these symptoms and taking the appropriate step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in various ways. Someone may accidentally take too many pills due to the fact that they didn't remember to take a dose retake. They could also be taking other substances that can interfere with the drug and increase its effects, or they might be taking it for recreational purposes and not know how to dose it properly. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin could lead to addiction and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with an history of addiction to drugs.
Anyone suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. They should be able give the emergency responders specific details regarding their dosage, when they took it, and what other drugs or substances they consumed. The emergency response team can determine what they should do to treat the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, which is used to remove any excess drug from the body before it is taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. Activated charcoal may also be given to the patient to stop the drug from entering the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists cooled water if they feel hot.
If you're given Ritalin, make sure to keep it in a secure place where children are not able to reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Also, don't keep any expired or unusable medication. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.