ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit disorder (Adhd medication guanfacine). It works by improving the way the parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can cause adverse effects, like suppressed appetite and trouble sleeping. Most of these side effects are mild and will fade on their o own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are vital neurotransmitters partially responsible for regulating motivation as well as action and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time and is considered safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the guidance of a doctor.
However, there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess the risk of each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is crucial to inform patients and their family members about the dangers of taking medications that are not used and the need to appropriately dispose of them. Using a locked medication box is ideal, as this prevents children from accessing and accidentally taking unused doses. It's also a great idea to inform patients not to give their medication to anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts or behaviors especially in those who are bipolar, depressed or have an history of mental illness. Discuss with your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which can cause stroke or heart problems. If you feel chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating, contact your doctor immediately. Inform your doctor if there is any family history of heart disease, sudden death, or having suffered bleeding or stroke issues. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make it hard to fall asleep.
It isn't known if the brand-name version is more efficient than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication due to its safety and effectiveness. It is important to note that this medication can be misused and should never be administered to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some claim that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence and has not yet been scientifically proven. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate versus brand name, however this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dosage. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments in order to find the most effective treatment. These medicines are powerful and may cause adverse effects, from irritability and sleep issues to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that has methylphenidate as the active ingredient. It is a stimulant that increases levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, chemicals associated control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death in those with certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disturbances high blood pressure, an history of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant medications can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also raise your or your child's pulse rate and blood pressure slightly. If you have heart problems or a pre-existing health condition Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also impact behavior, which can be especially difficult for children who are just starting to take the medication. In some cases it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in teenagers and children. However it is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are many forms of this medication, that are available on prescription only. It could be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolving in a capsule opened and sprinkled on food or in a liquid. Some people use a formula that acts in a short time and lasts between three and six hours, while others use it for a longer time and require more dosage.
This medication could interact with other drugs like antidepressants and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. It can also increase your or your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other medications and substances, which can alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. Inform your doctor about any other medications you and your child are taking, including supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter medications. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, actions or hallucinations, seizures, or even seizures. Ritalin is not recommended by those with issues with circulation, such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It may also cause more symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Some fMRI studies have found 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), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the reduced activation in the same regions under the placebo and off-medicament conditions.
These results show that methylphenidate enhances performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest the mechanism is more complex than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in certain areas, such as the striatum, but not in other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in a few patients the combination did not perform as well as the single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD and the majority of people don't require medications to manage the disorder. Many people can develop better coping skills through therapy for behavior and training.
Some people anecdotally report that the name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic version, but this has not been proven by clinical trials. Both medications are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have the same effects on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can improve mood, focus, and concentration when prescribed. It has also been found effective in treating ADD/different adhd medications and Narcolepsy. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or taken in large doses, overdose can occur. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, coma, and other serious medical problems. It is essential to identify the symptoms of an overdose on Ritalin in order to prevent these symptoms and seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of factors. For instance, a person could overdose because they forget to take a dose re-supplement. Other substances can interact with the drug, causing its effects, or they may be using it for recreational purposes, and not know how does adhd medication work for adults to dose it. Additionally, long-term use of Ritalin could lead to tolerance and psychological dependence which can lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those who have an history of addiction to drugs.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, the time it was taken and if they've consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will be able to determine how to treat the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a procedure called gastric lavage, to remove any excess drugs from the body before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. Antiseizure and fluids are a way to treat them. Activated charcoal may also be given to the patient in order to stop the drug from entering their body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.
If you're prescribed Ritalin ensure that you store it in a secure place where children are not able to reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist about a take-back program. Lastly, do not keep any unused or expired what medication is prescribed for adhd. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.