ADHD Medication - Ritalin

Ritalin is a stimulant drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves the way the parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.

ADHD medications can cause adverse effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, most of these are mild and will go away by themselves or over time.

Dosage

Ritalin can increase levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for many years and is considered safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the supervision by a physician.

However, there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Physicians must determine the risk of each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families on this risk of harm and the need for proper disposal of any unneeded medication. Using a locked medication box is ideal, as this keeps children from gaining access and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share the medication with anyone.

This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings particularly in people who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression or have a mental health history. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which can cause stroke or heart problems. If you feel chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating contact your doctor immediately. Also tell your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever had any type of bleeding or stroke. This medication could affect your blood circulation, causing numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.

It isn't clear if the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name version due to its safety and effectiveness. It is also important to remember that this medication can be misused and should never be administered to a person who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.

Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence and is not yet scientifically proven. Some parents have said that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, however this isn't necessarily the case for every child.

Side effects

When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD, it takes some time to find the right dosage. A healthcare professional will observe your or your child's bodily reactions and make adjustments until they find the most effective treatment. These powerful medicines can cause adverse effects that range from sleep disorders, irritability and severe cardiovascular events.

Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden deaths in people who suffer from certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure, as well as the possibility of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.

Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can a doctor prescribe adhd medication without a diagnosis (company website) result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also increase the rate of your child's pulse and blood pressure. This could be a concern if you have a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems, so your doctor will keep a close check on your heart rate and blood pressure.

Other side effects include changes in mood, such as anxiety and depression. They can also impact behavior that can be particularly difficult for children who are taking the drug. In some instances it can cause symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow the growth for children and teens. This is usually temporary, and doesn't affect their final height.

There are a variety of forms of this medication, that are available on prescription only. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolving or swallowed. It is also available in the form of a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on liquid or food items. Some people choose to use a formula that is short-acting and lasts between three and six hours. Some people take it for a longer time which requires a higher dosage.

This medication can interact with other medications like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It may also increase your your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.

Interactions

Many medications can interact with other substances or drugs. This can change the effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all the other medicines you or your child are taking, including prescription medications as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin can interact with other antidepressants. This is especially relevant for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.

MAOIs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, such as suicidal ideas or actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by people who have circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It may also cause more symptoms in people with Tourette syndrome and tics.

Some fMRI studies have found that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks enhanced activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation in non-medication and placebo conditions in the same regions.

These results support the idea that methylphenidate elicits its effects on behavior by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, other studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in specific areas, such as the striatum, but not in others, such as the frontal lobes.

In one study, a combination of stimulants and non stimulant adhd medication uk-stimulants decreased ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients however, the combination did not work as well as a single drug. The use of medications used for adhd is not the sole treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not need them to live with the condition. Many people can develop more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy for behavior and training.

Clinical trials have not confirmed that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have the same effects on most people.

Overdose

Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/adhd medication list and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large doses, overdoses can occur. This can result in heart attack, stroke and coma as well as other serious medical problems. Being aware of signs of an Ritalin overdose is crucial to stopping these symptoms and taking the appropriate step to seek medical attention.

A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in various ways. Someone may accidentally consume too many pills since they did not remember to refill their prescription. They might also consume other substances that can interfere with the drug and enhance its effects, or they might be taking it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to dose it correctly. Long-term Ritalin use can lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have a history of drug abuse.

Anyone suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. First responders should be aware of the dose, the time it was taken and if they've consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to determine the best treatment for the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Ritalin may trigger seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by a medical professional. Fluids and antiseizure medications are a way to treat them. Activated charcoal can also be administered to the patient to prevent the drug from entering the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient by using fans or mists of cooled water if they feel hot.

If you're given Ritalin, make sure to store it in a secure location where children cannot reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Also, don't keep any expired or unusable medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it.