Blog entry by Marlys Mountford
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It helps improve brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medications can have negative side effects like diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. However, most effective adhd medication of these are minor and go away on their own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant and has been used for decades. It is considered to be safe when used in the dosages recommended under the guidance of your physician.
However there have been instances of abuse and addiction even when the drug is used in therapeutic doses. Doctors must evaluate the risk for each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also crucial to inform patients and their families on this risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. A locked medicine box is a good idea, since it will stop children from accessing and consuming doses that are not used. It's also a good idea to inform patients not to give their medication to anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in those who are bipolar, depressed, or have a history of mental illness. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which could result in heart attacks or strokes. Call your doctor right away if you have an elevated heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have is an ancestor with a history of heart disease, sudden death or any time you've had bleeding or stroke issues. This medication may affect blood circulation, causing discomfort or numbness in your fingers or toes. It can also make it hard to sleep.
It isn't clear whether the brand-name version of the product is more efficient than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication because of its safety and effectiveness. It is important to keep in mind that this medication could be abused and should never be given to someone who does not suffer from cheapest adhd medication or Narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than other. However, this is only anecdotal evidence, and has not yet been scientifically proven. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to name-brand versus generic methylphenidate, however this is not necessarily true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the appropriate dose when you start medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and adjust until they discover the most effective treatment. These medicines are extremely effective and can have side effects, from irritability and sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also increases your concentration and reduces anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin can trigger serious heart issues, including strokes and sudden deaths in people with certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and the possibility of cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin like other stimulant medications can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It can also slightly increase the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. If you have heart issues or a pre-existing condition, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include anxiety as well as depression. These effects can affect children's behavior, which is particularly challenging for children who are young. In some cases it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm) which are repetitive sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow growth in adolescents and children. However this is usually only temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
This medication is available in various forms, but only with a prescription. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule, that is opened and sprinkled on liquid or food items. Some people take a short-acting formula that lasts for about three to six hours, whereas others take it long-term and require a higher dose.
This medication may interact with other drugs like antidepressants and monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. It could also increase your or your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other medications or substances, which may alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child take, including vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter medications. Ritalin can interact with certain antidepressants, especially those containing monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This could cause serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts and behaviors, seizures, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's syndrome or high pressure. It may also cause more symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Some fMRI studies have found that an acute dose of methylphenidate for medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation when compared to placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results show that methylphenidate can improve performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake process in certain regions such as the striatum, but not in other regions, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination of stimulants and non prescription adhd medication-stimulants reduced adhd no medication symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in a few patients, the combination did not perform as well as the single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for inattentive adhd medication uk - ezproxy.cityu.edu.hk - and the majority of people do not require medication to manage the disorder. Skills training and behavior therapy can help many people learn more effective strategies for coping.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two medications are chemically similar, which means they are likely to have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can improve mood, focus, and concentration when prescribed. It is also effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in heart attack, stroke or coma, as well as other serious medical issues. Being aware of signs of a Ritalin overdose is critical for preventing these symptoms and taking the necessary step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of factors. Someone may accidentally take too many pills due to the fact that they forgot to take a dose retake. They could also be taking other substances that may interact with the drug and increase its effect or they may be using it recreationally and not know how to dose it properly. Additionally, long-term use of Ritalin could lead to addiction and psychological dependence which can lead to addiction. As a result people with an history of abuse of stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. They should be able give the emergency responders specific details regarding the dosage, the time they were taking it, as well as any other drugs or substances they took. The emergency response team will then be able to better determine the best treatment for the patient. They typically perform a stomach pump (a procedure called gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they can be taken up by the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by a medical professional. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. Activated charcoal is also administered to the patient in order to prevent the drug from entering the body. If they are feeling hot, the medical staff can cool them down using fans and mists of water to avoid hyperthermia.
If you are prescribed Ritalin be sure to keep it in a secure area where children cannot get it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Don't keep expired or unused medication. Mix the medicine that is not used with cat litter or ground coffee and throw it out.