This Is The Ugly Truth About ADHD Medication Ritalin
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ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way the parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can have adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most of these are minor and go away on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin boosts levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant and has been used for a long time. It is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the supervision of a physician.
However there have been instances of abuse and addiction even when the drug is taken in therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors must examine each patient for risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is important to inform patients and their family members about the dangers of unused medications and the need to properly dispose of them. It is best to utilize a locked medicine box, which prevents children from consuming unneeded medication. It is also recommended to instruct patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts, or actions particularly in those who are depressed, bipolar or have an history of mental illness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which could result in heart attacks or strokes. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat or excessive sweating, consult your physician immediately. Inform your doctor if you have is a family history of heart disease, sudden death, or having suffered bleeding or stroke issues. This medication may cause numbness and pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It isn't clear whether the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. However many doctors prefer the brand-name version due its safety record and effectiveness. It is important to keep in mind that this medication can be abused and should never be given to someone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence that is not yet scientifically proven. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate than brand name, however this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the correct dose when starting treatment for ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and adjust until they find the most effective treatment. These medicines are extremely effective and may cause adverse consequences, ranging from irritability and sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that has methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It is a stimulant that increases levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also improves concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden deaths in people who suffer from certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure as well as the possibility of heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin like 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 slightly. This could be a concern if you have a preexisting heart condition or heart problems and your doctor will keep a close check on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety and depression. These side effects can affect children's behavior, which is particularly difficult for children who are still young. In certain instances, it may cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive sounds or movements such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. However, this is usually temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
There are several forms of this medication, that are available with a prescription only. It can be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolving, a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food items or a liquid. Some people use the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term which requires a higher dose.
This medication may interact with other drugs, such as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication may also increase the chance of developing angle closure glaucoma which is a potentially fatal side consequence.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other drugs and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even fatal. Inform your doctor about any other medications you and your child take, including supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter drugs. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is especially the case for those with monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's syndrome or high pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and striatum 25. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the underactivation in the same regions under placebo and off medication conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate exerts its effects on behavior through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, both of which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral studies suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants in particular appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake process in certain regions like the striatum, but not in other areas like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced ADHD-like symptoms in children who had 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 the majority of people don't require them to live with the condition. Training in skills and behavior therapy can help many people learn more effective strategies for coping.
Some people anecdotally report that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic version, but this has not been confirmed by clinical trials. The two medications are chemically identical, and they are likely to have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is a central nerve system stimulant. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It also works in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in stroke, heart attack and coma as well as other serious medical issues. It is essential to identify the signs of an overdose on Ritalin in order to prevent these symptoms and seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in a variety of ways. One could accidentally consume too many pills since they did not remember to take a dose retake. Other substances can interact with the drug, causing its effects, or they could be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to dose it. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin can result in addiction and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. Therefore those with a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should use Ritalin under adhd medication pregnancy the supervision of a medical professional.
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 took it, and what other medications or substances they consumed. The emergency response team will then be able to better determine the best treatment for the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, which is used to eliminate any excess drug from the body before it can be taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by a medical professional. Fluids and antiseizure medication are a way to treat seizures. In addition, the person might be given activated charcoal to prevent any more of the drug from circulating in the body. If they are feeling hot, the hospital staff can cool them down using fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you're prescribed Ritalin, make sure to store it in a safe area where children cannot get it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. Don't keep any expired or unusable medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.