A Productive Rant About ADHD Medication Ritalin
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ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It helps improve brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause negative side effects like reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of these are minor and go away on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for decades and is considered safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the supervision of a doctor.
However there are reports of misuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors should examine each patient for danger and monitor their symptoms throughout treatment. It is crucial to inform patients and relatives about the dangers of unused medications and the need to appropriately dispose of them. It is best to utilize an enclosed medicine cabinet that will stop children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share the medication with anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts, or actions, especially in people who are depressed, bipolar or have a history of mental illness. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which can result in heart attacks or strokes. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating, consult your physician immediately. Also, inform your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have ever had any type of bleeding or stroke. This medication may cause numbness and discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make it hard to sleep.
It is not known if the brand-name version of this medication is more efficient than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication due to its security and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse and should not be administered to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication performs better than other medications, but this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proved scientifically. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to generic versus name-brand methylphenidate, but this isn't the case for all children.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to determine the appropriate dose. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's body reactions and adjust until they discover the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can trigger adverse reactions that range from sleep issues, irritability and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a central nervous system stimulant. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, such as sudden death and stroke in people with certain medical conditions, like heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can cause a decreased appetite and weight loss. It can also increase your your child's blood pressure and pulse rate slightly. This could be a concern when you have a prior heart condition or other heart issues and your doctor will keep close eye on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, such as depression and anxiety. They can also impact behavior which is particularly difficult for children who are taking the drug. 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 slow growth in children and adolescents. However, this is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
The medication is available in a variety of forms, but only on prescription. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolving or swallowed. It is also available in the form of a capsule which is opened and sprinkled on liquid or food items. Some people choose to take a formula that acts in a short time and lasts from three to six hours, whereas others take it long-term and require a higher dose.
This medication may interact with certain other drugs like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It may also increase your your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other drugs or substances. This can change the effects of their actions. Certain interactions could be harmful and even fatal. Tell your doctor what other medications you and your child take, including vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter medications. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts or actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for those with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It may also cause more symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the underactivation in the same areas during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate exerts its effect on behavior through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, specifically, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake process in certain regions such as the striatum, but not in other areas, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased symptoms of ADHD in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in some patients the combination did not perform as well as the single drug. The majority of people don't require medication to cope with ADHD. Behavior therapy and skills training can assist many people in learning more effective strategies for coping.
Clinical trials have not confirmed that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically the same, so they should both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin is a stimulant for the central nervous system that can improve concentration, focus, and mood when used according to the prescription. It has also been proven to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and narcolepsy. But, as with any check here drug that alters the brain, if misused or taken in large amounts, overdoses can occur. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, coma, and other serious medical issues. It is essential to recognize the signs of an overdose Ritalin to avoid these symptoms and seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in various ways. For instance, a person may accidentally take too much because they forget to take a dose re-supplement. Other substances may interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they could be taking it for recreational purposes and not know how to dose it. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin can lead to dependence and tolerance that could lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those with a history of drug abuse.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, when it was taken, and if they have consumed any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to more accurately determine the best treatment for the patient. They usually perform a stomach pump (a procedure called gastriclavage) to remove any excess drug from the body before they are absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures. Anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. They can be treated by taking fluids and medications to prevent seizures. Activated charcoal can also be administered to the patient in order to stop the drugs from entering the body. If they are feeling hot, the hospital staff can cool them down by using fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia.
If you are prescribed Ritalin be sure to store it in a safe place where children are not able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Don't keep any unused or expired medicine. Mix the medicine that is not used with cat litter or ground coffee and then throw it away.