The 10 Most Terrifying Things About 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 brain communication, which reduces ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. The majority of these side effects are minor and will fade by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are important neurotransmitters partially responsible for regulating motivation as well as action and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used since decades. It is considered to be safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the guidance of your physician.
However, there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. adhd without medication must assess the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to educate the patient and their family members on this risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. It is best to use an enclosed medicine cabinet that will stop children from consuming unneeded medication. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings particularly in people who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental illness history. Talk with your doctor right immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. This medication can also cause an increase in blood pressure, which can cause strokes or heart issues. Call your doctor right away when you experience an elevated heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Also, inform your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've previously suffered any type of bleeding or stroke. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medicine is more effective than the generic version. However, many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its proven safety and effectiveness. This medication is susceptible to abuse, and should not be prescribed to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication works better than others, however this is only anecdotal and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus brand name, however this may not be true 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 professional will observe the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to determine the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can trigger adverse reactions that range from irritability, sleep problems and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems including strokes and sudden deaths for those who suffer from certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure as well as the possibility of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It can also increase the blood pressure and pulse rate little. If you suffer from heart problems or an existing condition, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. They can also impact behavior that can be particularly difficult for children who are taking the drug. In some cases it can cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. 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 dissolved, a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food items or a liquid. Some people choose to take a short-acting formula that lasts from three to six hours, while others take it for a longer time and require more dosage.
This medication could interact with other medications, such as antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It can also increase your or your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other drugs or substances, which may alter their effects. Certain interactions can be harmful or even fatal. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child taking, including prescription medications and supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can cause severe side effects, including suicidal ideas or actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by those with circulatory issues such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It may also aggravate symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in those who have these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by normalization of underactivation during non-medication and placebo conditions in the same regions.
These results support the notion that methylphenidate exerts its behavioral effect by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, additional fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Particularly, psychostimulants are believed to hinder the reuptake process of dopamine in specific areas, such as the striatum, but not others, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases, however, the combination didn't perform like a single drug. Most people don't need medication to cope with ADHD. Behavior therapy and skills training can assist many people in learning more effective strategies for coping.
A few people have reported that brand-name Ritalin is more effective than the generic version, but this has not been confirmed by clinical studies. The two medications are chemically identical, so they are likely to have the same effect on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that can help improve focus, concentration and mood when used as prescribed. It has also been proven effective in treating ADD/ADHD and narcolepsy. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, coma, and other serious medical issues. Recognizing the signs of a Ritalin overdose is critical for stopping these symptoms and taking the necessary step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of reasons. For instance, a person could overdose because they forget to re-dose their medication. Other substances can interact with the drug, causing its effects, or they could be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to do it. Long-term Ritalin use can also lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. As a result those with an history of using stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. They must be able to provide the first responders with specific details regarding the dosage, the time they were taking it, as well as any other medications or substances they took. The emergency response team will be able to better determine how to treat the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, which is used to remove any excess substance from the body prior to it is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical experts. They can be treated by taking fluids and medications to prevent seizures. In addition, the patient may be given activated charcoal to prevent any more of the drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient with fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin put it in a location where children can't reach it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. Do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.