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, which reduces ADHD symptoms.

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

Dosage

Ritalin increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating motivation, action, and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time and is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages administered under the supervision of a physician.

However there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at the therapeutic dosage level. Doctors must evaluate each patient's risk and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also crucial to inform patients and their families on this risk of harm and the need for proper disposal of any leftover medication. It is best to use a locked medicine box which will prevent children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share their medication with anyone.

This medication can cause suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially for those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental health history. Talk with your doctor right now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which can cause heart or stroke. If you feel chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor if there is any family history of heart disease, sudden death or having suffered an accident or suffered from bleeding issues. This medication could alter your blood circulation, causing discomfort or numbness in your toes and fingers. It can also make it difficult to sleep.

It is not known whether the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. However many doctors prefer the brand-name version because of its proven safety and effectiveness. This medication can be abused, and should not be prescribed to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.

Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However this is only anecdotal evidence and has not yet been scientifically verified. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, but this is not necessarily true for all children.

Side effects

It takes time to determine the right dose when beginning treatment for ADHD. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to find the most effective medication. These powerful medications can trigger adverse effects that range from irritability, sleep problems and even severe cardiovascular events.

Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden death, in people with certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disorders as well as high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.

Like other stimulant medications Ritalin can result in a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also raise your or your child's blood pressure and pulse rate little. If you suffer from heart problems or a pre-existing medical condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.

Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect the way you behave that can be particularly difficult for children who are taking the medication. In some cases it can cause the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also cause a slowing of growth in children and teenagers. However, this is usually temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.

The medication is available in a variety of forms, but only on prescription. It can be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed on or dissolved or a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or a liquid. Some people make use of the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term and require a higher dosage.

This medication could interact with other drugs like antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It could also increase your or your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.

Interactions

Many medications interact with other substances or drugs. This could alter their effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all the other medications you or your child are taking, including prescription medications as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

MAOIs boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, actions or hallucinations, seizures, or even seizures. Ritalin is not recommended for those who suffer from circulatory issues such as Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also cause the onset of Tourette syndrome or tics in people who have these conditions.

Certain fMRI studies have shown that a high dose of methylphenidate given to responders to medication 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 with normalization of the subactivation in the same regions during the placebo and off-medicament conditions.

These results support the notion that methylphenidate elicits its effect on behavior through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, additional studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in specific areas, like the striatum, but not other areas, like the frontal lobes.

In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased new adhd medication symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases, the combination did not work like a single drug. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD, and most people do not need them to live with the condition. Skills training and behavior therapy can help a lot of people develop more effective strategies for coping.

Clinical trials have not confirmed that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two medications are chemically identical, so they should have similar effects on the majority of people.

Overdose

Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin, is a central nervous system stimulant that improves focus, concentration and mood when used according to the prescribed dosage. It has also been proven to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and Narcolepsy. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in heart attack, stroke, or even coma. Being aware of symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking the necessary steps to seek medical assistance.

A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of reasons. For example, someone may have a mishap and take too much medication because they forget to take a dose re-supplement. Other substances can interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they could be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to dose it. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin could lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have an history of addiction to drugs.

Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They should be able to provide the emergency personnel with specific details regarding the dosage, the time they took it, and what other medications or substances they consumed. The emergency response team will then better determine what Medication Is Given for adhd to do to treat the person. Typically, they pump the stomach, a process called gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it can be taken into the bloodstream.

Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical professionals. They are treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. In addition, the patient might be given activated charcoal to stop any further drug from entering the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.

If you've been prescribed Ritalin, store it in a location where children can't reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Also, don't keep any unused or expired medicine. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it.