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, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.

ADHD medications can have side effects such as a reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of these are mild and disappear by themselves or with time.

Dosage

Ritalin boosts levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for decades. It is considered to be safe when used in the dosages recommended under the guidance of your doctor.

Nevertheless there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is used in therapeutic doses. Physicians must determine the risk of each patient and monitor their symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also important to educate patients and their families about the dangers and the need for proper disposal of any leftover medication. It is recommended to use an enclosed medicine cabinet that will stop children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also a great idea to remind patients not to share their medication with anyone.

This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings especially for those who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental illness history. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure which can cause strokes or heart issues. Contact your doctor immediately if you have a high heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Also tell your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever had any type of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication may cause numbness and pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make it hard to sleep.

It isn't known whether the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name version due to its effectiveness and safety. This medication is susceptible to abuse, and should not be given to anyone who is not suffering from Adhd Medication Ritalin or Narcolepsy.

Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence that is not yet scientifically proved. Some parents have said that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate, but this is not necessarily true for every child.

Side effects

It takes time to find 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 determine the most effective treatment. These powerful medicines can cause adverse effects that range from sleep issues, irritability and severe cardiovascular events.

Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate, and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. These are chemicals that help with control and attention. It also improves your concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden death in those with certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disturbances high blood pressure, an underlying heart attack or cardiovascular disease.

Ritalin like other stimulant medications can cause weight loss and a reduction in appetite. It can also increase your or your child's pulse rate and blood pressure little. This could be a concern in the event of a preexisting heart condition or other heart issues, so your doctor will keep a close check on your blood pressure and heart rate.

Other adverse effects include changes in mood, including depression and anxiety. These side effects can affect the behavior of children, which is particularly challenging for children who are young. In some instances it can trigger tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also cause a slowing of growth for children and teens. However this is usually only temporary and doesn't affect their final height.

There are many types of this medication, that are available with a prescription only. It can be a tablet swallowed, chewed or dissolved or a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or a liquid. Some people take a formula that acts in a short time and lasts from three to six hours, while others use it long-term and require an increased dosage.

This medication may interact with other medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It may also increase your your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.

Interactions

Many medications can interact with other drugs or substances. This can alter the effects of their actions. Some interactions can be dangerous, even deadly. You should inform your doctor about all the other medicines you or your child is taking, including prescription medications as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors or hallucinations, seizures, or even seizures. Ritalin should not be used by those with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics for those who suffer from these conditions.

Certain fMRI studies have shown that a high dose of methylphenidate administered to patients responding to medication during stop-and time discrimination tasks increased the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the underactivation in the same regions during non-medicament and placebo conditions.

These results support that methylphenidate enhances performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. However, additional research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants in particular seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in specific areas, such the striatum but not in other areas like the frontal lobes.

In one study, a mixture between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in some patients the combination did not work as well as the single drug. Most people don't need medication to manage ADHD. Many people can develop better coping skills through therapy for behavior and training.

A few people have reported that the name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form, but this has not been confirmed by clinical studies. The two drugs are chemically similar, which means they are likely to have the same effect on a majority of people.

Overdose

Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or taken in large quantities, an overdoses can happen. This could lead to heart attack, stroke, or coma. Being aware of symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is vital to the prevention of these symptoms and taking step to seek medical attention.

A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of reasons. For instance, a person could overdose because they do not remember to take a dose re-supplement. Other substances can interact with the drug, causing its effects, or they may be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to do it. Long-term Ritalin use can also cause tolerance and psychological dependency that can lead addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those who prescribes medication for adhd have an history of addiction to drugs.

Contact 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should be aware of the dosage, when it was taken, and if they have taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to more accurately determine the best treatment for the patient. Typically, they pump the stomach, which is known as gastric lavage, to remove any excess drugs from the body before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Ritalin can trigger seizures, and anyone who is who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by medical professionals. Antiseizure and fluids can be used to treat them. Activated charcoal can also be given to the patient to prevent the drug from entering their body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down by using fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.

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. Don't keep expired or unused medication. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.