The 10 Scariest Things About ADHD Medication Ritalin
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ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It works by improving the way the parts of the brain communicate, thereby reducing ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can trigger negative side effects, including suppressed appetite and trouble sleeping. However, the majority of these are mild and will go away by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for decades. It is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the guidance of your doctor.
Nevertheless there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is used in therapeutic doses. Doctors must evaluate the risk of each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also crucial to educate the patient and their family members on this risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unneeded medication. It is best to use a locked medicine box which will prevent children from consuming unneeded medication. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts, or actions particularly in those who are bipolar, depressed or have a history of mental illness. Talk with your doctor right now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which can cause heart or stroke. Get your doctor's attention immediately if you have an increased heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have ever had any type of bleeding or stroke. This medication may affect your blood circulation and cause discomfort or numbness in your toes and fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medicine is more efficient than the generic version. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its history of safety and effectiveness. This medication can be abused, and should not be prescribed to anyone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people claim that this medication is more effective than others. However, this is only anecdotal evidence, and has not yet been scientifically proven. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to the brand name, but this might not be the case for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to find the appropriate dose when you start treatment for ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's body reactions and make adjustments until they can find the most effective medication. These powerful medicines can cause adverse reactions that range from irritability, sleep problems and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a drug that contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also improves your concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can trigger serious heart problems including strokes and sudden deaths in people with certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure as well as a history or heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also increase the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. If you suffer from heart problems or an existing medical condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include changes in mood, like depression and anxiety. These side effects can also affect children's behavior, which can be especially difficult for those who are young. In some cases it can cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repeated sounds or movements like eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow 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 types of this medication, that are available with a prescription only. The medication can be taken in the form of a tablet that can be chewed, dissolved, or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule, which is opened and sprinkled on liquid or food items. Some people take an instant-acting formulation that lasts from three to six hours, while others use it long-term and require a higher dosage.
This medication can interact with other drugs such as antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication can also increase the chance of developing angle closure glaucoma which is a potentially fatal adverse effect.
Interactions
Many medications can interact with other substances or drugs. This could alter their effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all other medicines you or your child is taking, including prescription medications and vitamins and supplements. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is especially 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, seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people who suffer from circulatory issues, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or high blood pressure. It may also cause more symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the reduced activation in the same regions during non-medicament and placebo conditions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate causes its behavioral effect through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. However, other research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in some regions, like the striatum, but not others, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and nonstimulants helped reduce ADHD-like symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in a few patients the combination did not perform as well as a single drug. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD, and most people don't require medication to manage the condition. Many people can learn more effective ways to cope with the disorder through therapy for behavior and training.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two drugs are chemically identical, and they should have the same effect on a 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 taken as prescribed. It has also been shown to be to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and Narcolepsy. Overdose is possible with get more info any substance that alters brain function. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, or even coma. Being aware of the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is vital to stopping these symptoms and taking the necessary steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in various ways. Someone may accidentally consume too many pills since they didn't remember to refill their prescription. They could also be taking other substances that may interact with the drug and increase its effects or they could be taking it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to dose it properly. Long-term Ritalin use can also lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those with a history of drug abuse.
People who are suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. First responders should be aware of the dosage, when it was taken and if they've consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to more accurately determine how to treat the patient. In general, they will pump the stomach, a procedure called gastric lavage, to remove any excess drug from the body before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures, so anyone suffering from these symptoms should be monitored by medical professionals. Antiseizure and fluids are a way to treat seizures. In addition, the patient might be given activated charcoal to block any further drug from entering the body. If they feel hot, the medical staff can cool them down with fans and mists of water to prevent hyperthermia.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin put it in an area in a place where children aren't able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Do not keep any expired or unused medication. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it.