ADHD Medication Ritalin: The Ugly The Truth About ADHD Medication Ritalin
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ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps improve brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can have negative side effects like diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. The majority of these side effects are mild and will disappear on their o own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant and 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 doctor.
However there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Therefore, doctors should assess each patient for risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to inform patients and their families about the risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is a good idea, since it will stop children from accessing and accidentally taking unused doses. It's also a good idea to remind patients not to divulge their medication to anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in those who are bipolar, depressed, or have a history of mental illness. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which could result in heart attacks or strokes. If you feel chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or excessive sweating, contact your doctor immediately. Also tell your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have previously suffered any type of stroke or bleeding problem. This medication can cause numbness and pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make it difficult to fall asleep.
It is not known if the brand-name version is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name version because of its safety and effectiveness. This medication is susceptible to abuse and should not be prescribed to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication works better than others, however this is only anecdotal and hasn't been proven scientifically. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to name-brand, but this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the appropriate dose when you start treatment for ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's or your own's bodily reactions and make adjustments until they find the most effective dosage. These powerful medicines can cause side effects ranging from sleep disorders, irritability and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a nerve system stimulant, which has methylphenidate as the active ingredient. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine. These are chemicals that help with control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems, including strokes and sudden deaths in patients with certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure, as well as the possibility of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin as with other stimulant medications, can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It may also raise the pulse rate and blood pressure little. This could be a problem if you have a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems as a result, so your doctor will keep close check on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect the way you behave which is particularly difficult for young children taking the drug. In certain instances it can trigger tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in children and adolescents. It is usually temporary and does not alter their height at the end of the day.
There are many forms of this medication, which are available by 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 use it long-term and need more dosage.
This medication may interact with other medications like monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication can also increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma, a potentially deadly adverse side effect.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other substances or drugs. This can alter the effects of their actions. Certain interactions can be harmful, even deadly. It is important to inform your doctor about all the other medications you or your child are taking, including prescription medications and vitamins and supplements. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well as hallucinations, seizures, and seizures. Ritalin is not recommended for people with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's syndrome or high pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in those who have these conditions.
Some fMRI studies have found that an acute dose of methylphenidate for medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation in placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results support that methylphenidate can improve performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake process in certain regions such as the striatum, but not in other regions, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination did not work like a single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD, and most people do not need medication to manage the condition. Many people can learn more effective ways to cope with the disorder through behavior therapy and skill training.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It is also effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if misused or used in large doses, overdoses can occur. This could lead to heart attack, stroke, or coma. Recognizing the signs of a Ritalin overdose is vital to stopping these symptoms and taking the appropriate step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of factors. For instance, a person could accidentally take too much because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. They may also consume other substances that could interfere with the drug and increase 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 also lead to tolerance and psychological dependency that can lead addiction. As a result those with an history of using stimulants or other drugs should use Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
Contact 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They must be able to give the emergency responders specific details regarding the dosage, the time they used it, and the other medications or substances they took. The emergency response team can determine the best course of action to do to treat the person. Typically, they pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess drug from the body before it is taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. People who experience these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical professionals. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. Activated charcoal can also be administered to the patient in order to stop the drugs from entering the body. If they feel hot, the hospital staff can cool them down using fans and mists of water in order get more info to prevent hyperthermia.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin, store it in a location where children can't reach it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Lastly, do not keep any unused or expired medication. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.