The 10 Most Scariest Things About ADHD Medication Ritalin
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ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity 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 reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, the majority of these are minor and go away by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases 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 to be safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the supervision of your doctor.
Nevertheless, there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is used at therapeutic doses. Physicians must assess the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to educate patients and their families about the dangers and the need for proper disposal of any unused medication. It is best to utilize a locked medicine box, which prevents children from consuming unneeded medication. It's also a good idea to remind patients not to divulge their medication to anyone.
This medication may cause suicidal thoughts or actions especially in those who are depressed, bipolar, or have an history of mental illness. Consult your doctor now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which can cause heart or stroke. If you experience chest pain, a fast heartbeat, or excessive sweating, consult your physician immediately. Also, inform your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have ever had any type of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication can cause numbness or discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It is not known if the brand-name version is more effective than the generic version. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version due its history of safety and effectiveness. This medication can be abused, and should not be given to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people believe that this medication is more effective than others. However, this is only anecdotal evidence that has not yet been scientifically proved. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to brand name, however this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD, it takes some time to determine the appropriate dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to determine the best medication. These powerful medicines can cause adverse reactions that range from irritability, sleep problems and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and decreases restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems including stroke and sudden deaths in patients who suffer from certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure as well as a history or heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also slightly increase the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. This can be a problem if you have a preexisting heart condition or heart problems and your doctor will keep a close eye on your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, such as anxiety and depression. These side effects can affect children's behavior, which can be particularly challenging for children who are still young. In certain instances it can cause symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also cause a slowing of growth in teenagers and children. However this is usually only temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
This medication is available in a variety of forms, but only by prescription. The medication is available in the form of a tablet that can be chewed, dissolved, or swallowed. It may also be available in the form of a capsule which is opened and sprinkled over liquid or food items. Some people make use of an ingredient that acts quickly and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term and require a higher dose.
This medication can interact with other medications, such as antidepressants or monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication may increase the risk of glaucoma caused by angle closure which could be a fatal adverse effect.
Interactions
Many medications can interact with other drugs or substances. This can change their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even fatal. You should inform your doctor about all other medicines you or your child is taking, including prescription medications as well as vitamins and supplements. Ritalin can interact with some antidepressants. This is particularly true for those that contain monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by those who suffer from circulatory problems like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It may also cause more symptoms in people with 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) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of the underactivation in the same areas during the placebo and off-medicament conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate exerts its effects on behavior through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which enhance performance in stop and time discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral studies suggest the mechanism is more complicated than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, in particular, are believed to block dopamine reuptake in certain areas such as the striatum, but not in other regions, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children with moderate to severe cases. In some patients, however, the combination did not work as well as a single drug. The majority of people don't require medication to deal with ADHD. Many people can learn better coping skills through behavior therapy and skill training.
There are reports that name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic version, but this has not been confirmed by clinical studies. Both drugs are chemically the same, so they should both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin is a stimulant of the central nervous system that can improve focus, concentration and mood when used as prescribed. It is also effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, or even coma. It is crucial to be aware of the signs of an overdose Ritalin to avoid these symptoms and seek medical care.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of factors. For example, someone may overdose because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. They could also be taking other substances that could interfere with the drug and increase its effects, or they might be taking it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to dose it correctly. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin could lead to tolerance and psychological dependence which can lead to addiction. In the end, those who have an history of abuse of stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, the time it was taken, and if they have taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then better determine what to do to treat the person. They usually pump the stomach (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they can be absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures, so anyone experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by a medical professional. Antiseizure and fluids are a way to treat seizures. In addition, the person may be given activated charcoal to stop any further drug from entering the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down by using fans or mists of cooled water if they get more info feel hot.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin, store it in an area that is secure and where children cannot access it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Lastly, do not keep any unused or expired medication. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.