ADHD Medication - Ritalin

Ritalin is a stimulant drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.

ADHD medication can have adverse effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of these are mild and go away by themselves or with time.

Dosage

Ritalin can increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating motivation as well as action and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for many years and is considered safe when doses are prescribed and taken under the supervision of a physician.

However, there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is administered in therapeutic doses. Doctors must evaluate the risk for each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families about the dangers and the need for proper disposal different types of adhd medication any leftover medication. Using a locked medication box is ideal, as this will stop children from accessing and taking doses that are not needed. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share this medication with anyone.

This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings especially for those who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression or have a mental health history. Consult your doctor now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication can also cause an increase in blood pressure which can lead to stroke or heart problems. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating, consult your physician immediately. Tell your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease, sudden death or having suffered a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication can alter your blood circulation, causing numbness or pain in your toes and fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.

It is not known whether the brand-name version is more efficient than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication because of its effectiveness and safety. It is also important to note that this medication can be misused and should not be administered to a person who isn't suffering from adhd medication ritalin or Narcolepsy.

Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence, and is not yet scientifically verified. Parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to name-brand, but this may not be true for all children.

Side effects

When you begin medication to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dosage. A doctor will be able to monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and adjust until they discover the most effective medication. These powerful medications can trigger side effects ranging from sleep issues, irritability and serious cardiovascular events.

Ritalin is a nerve system stimulant that contains methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also improves your concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems including strokes and sudden deaths in those with certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure, as well as an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.

Ritalin as with 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 little. If you have heart problems or a pre-existing medical condition Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.

Other side effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect 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, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow the growth in teenagers and children. However, this is usually temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.

The medication is available in several forms, but only by prescription. It could be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolving or a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food or a liquid. Some people use a formula that is short-acting and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term and require more dosage.

This medication can interact with certain other drugs including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It can also increase your or your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.

Interactions

Many medications have the potential to interact with other medications and substances, which could 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 prescription medications. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

MAOIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. This can lead to severe side effects, including suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by those who suffer from circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also cause the onset of Tourette syndrome or tics in those who have these conditions.

A few fMRI studies have revealed that a high dose of methylphenidate given to medication responders during stop-and-time discrimination tasks increased the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC) and striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation in placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.

These results support the idea that methylphenidate exerts its effects on behavior by increasing the amount types of adhd medication dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine levels, which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. However, additional fMRI and behavioral data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Particularly, psychostimulants are believed to hinder the reuptake process of dopamine in specific areas, such as the striatum, but not other areas, like the frontal lobes.

In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in a few patients the combination didn't perform as well as the single drug. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD, and most people do not require them to live with the condition. Many people can learn more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy and training.

Some people anecdotally report that name-brand Ritalin is more efficient than generic Ritalin however this hasn't been confirmed by clinical studies. The two medications are chemically similar, which means they should have the same effect on most people.

Overdose

Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin, is a central nervous system stimulant that can improve focus, concentration and mood when taken according to the prescription. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/different adhd medications and ADD. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to heart attack, stroke or coma, as well as other serious medical issues. Being aware of signs of a Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking the appropriate step to seek medical attention.

A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of causes. One could accidentally take too many pills because they didn't remember to refill their prescription. Other substances can interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they could be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to do it. Long-term Ritalin usage can result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those with an addiction history.

Anyone suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. They must be able to give the emergency responders details about the dosage, the time they used it, and the other drugs or substances they consumed. The emergency response team will be able to more accurately determine the best treatment for the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, which is known as gastric lavage, which is used to remove any excess drugs from the body before it is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Ritalin may trigger seizures, and anyone who is suffering from these symptoms should be monitored by medical professionals. Antiseizure and fluids can be used to treat seizures. In addition, the patient could be treated with activated charcoal to block any further drug from circulating in the body. If they feel hot, the hospital staff can cool them down by using fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.

If you've been prescribed Ritalin put it in a location in a place where children aren't able to reach it. You may also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Don't keep expired or unneeded medication. Mix the unused medicine with cat litter or ground coffee and then throw it away.