ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It works by improving brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medication can have side effects such as a decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of these are minor and will go away on their own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters responsible for controlling motivation as well as action and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for decades. It is considered safe when used in the dosages recommended under the supervision of your physician.
However there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at the therapeutic dosage level. Physicians must assess the risk for each patient and monitor their symptoms throughout the treatment. It is essential to inform patients and their family members of the dangers of not using medications and the need to appropriately get rid of them. It is best to use a locked medicine box, which prevents children from accidentally taking unused medication. It's also a good idea to tell patients not to divulge their medication to anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts, or actions particularly in those who are bipolar, depressed or have an history of mental illness. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which can cause stroke or heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you have an elevated heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Inform your doctor if there is an ancestor with a history of heart disease, sudden death or if you've ever had a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication can cause numbness and pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make it difficult to sleep.
It is not known if the brand-name version of this medication is more effective than the generic version. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version due its history of safety and effectiveness. It is important to note that this medication is a risk to abused and should never be administered to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than other. However this is only anecdotal evidence and is not yet scientifically verified. Parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to the brand name, but this might not be true for all children.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD it takes some time to determine the appropriate dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's body reactions and adjust until they find the most effective dosage. These powerful medications can cause side effects ranging from sleep issues, irritability and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that contains methylphenidate as its active ingredient. adhd medication uk www.iampsychiatry.uk works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and reduces anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin may cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death, for those suffering from certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also raise 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 heart problems, so your doctor will keep a close eye on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include changes in mood, like depression and anxiety. They can also affect the way you behave, which can be especially difficult for children who are just starting to take the medication. In certain instances, it may cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in adolescents and children. However, this is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are many forms of this medication, which are available by prescription only. The medication is available in the form of a tablet that is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule, that is opened and sprinkled over liquid or food items. Some people use a formula that acts in a short time and lasts for about three to six hours, while others use it for a longer time and require more dose.
This medication may interact with certain other drugs, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It could also increase your your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other drugs or substances, which may alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful or even fatal. Tell your doctor what other medications you or your child take, including supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter medications. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, including suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for those with issues with circulation, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Some fMRI research has found that a high dose of methylphenidate given to medication responders during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC) and striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation when compared to non-medication and placebo conditions in the same regions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate causes its effects on behavior by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest the mechanism is more complicated than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, in particular, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake process in certain regions, such the striatum but not in other regions like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients, the combination did not work as effectively as a single medication. There is no one-stop treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not require medications to manage the disorder. Many people can learn more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy for behavior and training.
Clinical trials have not confirmed that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically the same, so they should both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin is a stimulant of the central nervous system that can help improve concentration, focus and mood when taken as prescribed. It can also be effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This could lead to heart attack, stroke, or coma. Being aware of the signs of an Ritalin overdose is vital to preventing these symptoms and taking the necessary steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of factors. A person may take too many pills because they forgot to take a dose retake. Other substances can interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they could be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to dose it. Long-term Ritalin use can also cause tolerance and psychological dependency that can lead addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those who have an history of addiction to drugs.
Call 911 immediately if are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should be aware of the dose, when it was taken, and if they have consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will be able to more accurately decide on the best way to treat the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, which is used to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it is taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical experts. They are treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. Additionally, the patient might be given activated charcoal to stop any further drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down with fans or mists chilled water if they are feeling hot.
If you are prescribed Ritalin be sure to keep it in a secure area where children cannot get it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Also, don't keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it.