A Positive Rant Concerning ADHD Medication Ritalin
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ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves the way that parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, like suppressed appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most of these are minor and go away on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which are important neurotransmitters partially responsible for regulating motivation actions, cognition, and motivation. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for decades. It is considered to be safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the supervision of your physician.
However there are reports of misuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Doctors must evaluate the risk of each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families about the risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. Using a locked medication box is ideal, as this prevents children from accessing 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 may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially for those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental illness history. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure which can lead to stroke or heart issues. If you experience chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, or excessive sweating, consult your physician immediately. Inform your doctor if there is an ancestor with a history of heart disease, sudden death or if you've ever had bleeding or stroke issues. This medication could affect your blood circulation and cause the sensation of numbness or pain to your toes and fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It isn't clear whether the brand-name version is more efficient than its generic counterpart. However many doctors prefer to use 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 does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication performs better than other medications, but this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proved scientifically. Parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate than brand name, however this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the right dose when beginning medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare professional will observe the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to find the best medication. These powerful medicines can cause adverse effects that range from sleep disorders, irritability and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death in people with certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and a history of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications Ritalin can cause a decreased appetite and weight loss. It may also raise your your child's pulse rate and blood pressure slightly. This could be a problem if you have a preexisting heart condition or other heart issues and your doctor will keep close watch over your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior, which can be especially difficult for young children taking the medication. In some instances, it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repetitive movements or sounds like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in children and adolescents. This is usually temporary, and does not alter their height in the future.
There are many kinds of this medication which are available by prescription only. It can 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 short-acting formula that lasts from three to six hours, while others take it long-term and need an increased dosage.
This medication may interact with other drugs, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication may increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma which is a potentially fatal adverse side effect.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other substances or drugs. This could alter the get more info effects. Some interactions can be dangerous, even deadly. It is important to inform your doctor about all the other medicines you or your child is taking, including over-the-counter medicines as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts, seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by people who have circulatory problems like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also worsen 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 of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum 25. These changes were also accompanied by normalization of the reduced activation in the same areas during non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate enhances performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. However, additional fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in some regions, like the striatum, but not other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants reduced ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients, however, the combination did not perform as effectively as a single drug. There is no one-stop treatment for ADHD, and most people don't require medications to manage the disorder. Training in skills and behavior therapy can assist many people in learning more effective strategies for coping.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin, is a stimulant for the central nervous system that improves concentration, focus, and mood when used according to the prescription. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to stroke, heart attack and coma as well as other serious medical issues. Being aware of symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is vital to preventing these symptoms and taking the necessary step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a variety of causes. A person may take too many pills because they did not remember to redose their medication. They may also consume other substances that could interfere with the drug and increase its effects, or they might be using it recreationally and not know how to dose it properly. Long-term Ritalin use can cause tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Therefore, those who have a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dosage, when it was taken and if they've consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team can determine what they should do to help the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it is taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medications can be used to treat seizures. Activated charcoal may also be administered to the patient to prevent the drug from circulating into the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists cooled water if they feel hot.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin keep it in a location in a place where children aren't able to reach it. You may also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the expired medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.