9 Things Your Parents Teach You About ADHD Medication Ritalin
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves the way parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can have adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and will fade on their o own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for decades and is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages administered under the supervision by a physician.
However there have been instances of addiction and abuse when the drug is administered at therapeutic doses. Physicians must determine the risk for each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is essential to inform patients and family members about the dangers of unused medications and the need to properly get rid of them. A locked medicine box is a good idea, since it will stop children from accessing and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share the medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or behaviors especially in those who are depressed, bipolar or have a history of mental illness. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which can cause heart or stroke. Get your doctor's attention immediately in case you are experiencing an elevated heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Inform your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease, sudden death or if you've ever had a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication may affect your blood circulation, causing discomfort or numbness in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not known if the brand-name version of this medication is more efficient than the generic version. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version due to its history of safety and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse and should not be prescribed to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication works better than other medications, but this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proven scientifically. Some parents have said that their children react differently to generic versus name-brand methylphenidate. However, this is not necessarily true for every child.
Side effects
It takes time to find the appropriate dose when you start medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's body reactions and make adjustments until they find the most effective medication. These powerful medicines can cause adverse effects that range from irritability, sleep problems and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that has methylphenidate as the active ingredient. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and reduces anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin can trigger serious heart problems, including strokes and sudden deaths in those with certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure as well as an underlying heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin like other stimulant medications can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It can also slightly increase the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. This could be a problem in the event of a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems and your doctor will keep a close eye on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include anxiety as well as depression. These effects can affect children's behavior, which can be particularly challenging for children who are young. In certain instances, it may cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also cause a slowing of growth in children and teenagers. This is usually temporary and doesn't alter their height in the future.
The medication is available in various forms, but only on prescription. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule which is opened and sprinkled on food or liquid. Some people make use of the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Some people take it for a longer time which requires an increased dosage.
This medication could interact with other medications such as antidepressants or monoamine oxidase (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 interact with other substances or drugs. This could alter the effects of their actions. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child take, including supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter medications. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This could cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well as hallucinations, seizures, and seizures. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals with issues with circulation like Raynaud's phenomenon or high pressure. It can also worsen symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate for medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of underactivation during the placebo and off-medication states in the same regions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate improves performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. Other fMRI and behavioral studies suggest the mechanism is more complex than an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. In particular, psychostimulants appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in certain regions, like the striatum, but not in other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased adhd medication titration-like symptoms in children who had moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination didn't work as effectively as one medication. The majority of people don't require medication to deal with adhd medication ritalin. Behavior therapy and skills training can help many people learn more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically same, so they should both have the same effects on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It also works in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. But, as with any drug that alters the brain, if it is misused or taken in large amounts, overdoses can happen. This can result in heart attack, stroke, or even coma. Being aware of the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is crucial to stopping adhd medication adults these symptoms and taking steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of causes. For example, someone may have a mishap and take too much medication due to the fact that they don't remember to re-dose their medication. Other substances can a doctor prescribe adhd medication without a diagnosis interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they may be using it recreationally without knowing how to dose it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin can lead to addiction and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with an addiction history.
Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dosage, when it was taken, and if they have consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team can determine the best course of action to do to treat the person. In general, they will pump the stomach, a procedure known as gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess drug from the body before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by a medical professional. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. In addition, the person may be given activated charcoal to block any further substance from entering the body. If they are feeling hot, the medical staff can cool them down with fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you're given Ritalin, make sure to store it in a safe place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Do not keep any expired or unused medication. Mix the medicine that is not used with ground coffee or cat litter and throw it out.