We've Had Enough! 15 Things About ADHD Medication Ritalin We're Overheard
ADHD Medication – Ritalin Ritalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which decreases ADHD. ADHD medications can cause side effects such as a decreased appetite and difficulty sleeping. The majority of these side effects are minor and will disappear by themselves or with time. Dosage Ritalin can increase levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time and is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages administered under the supervision by a physician. Nevertheless there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is taken in therapeutic doses. Doctors must evaluate the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families on this risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any leftover medication. A locked medicine box is ideal since it keeps children from gaining access and consuming doses that are not used. It is also recommended to instruct 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 an history of mental illness. Discuss with your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure, which could lead to strokes or heart issues. Contact your doctor immediately when you experience an increased heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Also, inform your doctor if there is a family history of heart disease or sudden death, or if you have ever suffered from any kind of stroke or bleeding problem. This medication could affect your blood circulation, causing numbness or pain in your fingers or toes. It can also make it hard to fall asleep. It is not known if the brand-name version of this medicine is more effective than the generic version. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its proven safety and effectiveness. This medication is susceptible to abuse, and should not be given to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy. Some claim that this medication is more effective than others. However it is merely anecdotal evidence, and is not yet scientifically proved. Some parents report 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 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 side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and even severe cardiovascular events. Ritalin has the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, chemicals associated control and attention. It also improves your concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death, for those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disturbances as well as high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease. Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also raise your or your child's pulse rate and blood pressure little. This could be a problem when you have a prior heart condition or other heart issues, so your doctor will be on eye on your heart rate and blood pressure. Other side effects include changes in mood, such as depression and anxiety. These side effects can affect children's behavior, which can be especially difficult for those who are young. In some instances it can cause the development of tics or TouretteaEUR™s syndrome, which is repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. However it 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 can be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolving, a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food or in a liquid. Some people make use of the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term which requires more dosage. This medication could interact with other medications, such as antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It can also increase your your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma. Interactions Many medications can interact with other substances or drugs. This could alter their effects. Certain interactions can be harmful or even fatal. Tell your doctor what other medications you and your child is taking, such as supplements and vitamins as well as over-the-counter medications. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended by people who have issues with circulation, such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also cause the onset of Tourette syndrome or tics in people who suffer from these conditions. Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate for medication responders during time discrimination and stop tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation during the placebo and off-medication states in the same regions. These results show that methylphenidate improves performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. However, additional studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than increased dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake in specific areas such as the striatum, but not in other regions, such the frontal lobes. In one study, a mixture between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases however, the combination did not work as effectively as one medication. Most people don't require medication to deal with ADHD. Training in skills and behavior therapy can help a lot of people develop more effective strategies to cope with the disorder. Clinical trials haven't proven that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically the same, which means they will both have the same effects on a majority of people. Overdose Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin is a stimulant for the central nervous system that can improve focus, concentration and mood when taken according to the prescription. It is also effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. Overdose is a possibility with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in stroke, heart attack, or even coma. Being aware of symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is critical for stopping these symptoms and taking the appropriate action to seek medical treatment. A Ritalin Overdose can happen in a variety of ways. For instance, a person may overdose because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. They might also consume other substances that could interact with the drug and increase its effects or they may be using it recreationally and aren't aware of how to properly dose it. Furthermore, long-term use of Ritalin can result in dependence and tolerance that can cause addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with an addiction history. Anyone suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, when it was taken and if they've taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will determine what they should do to treat the person. They will usually pump the stomach (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they are absorbed in the bloodstream. Ritalin may trigger seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be carefully monitored by a medical professional. best adhd medication for adults uk www.iampsychiatry.uk are treated with fluids and medications to prevent seizures. Additionally, the patient may be given activated charcoal to stop any more of the substance from entering the body. If they are feeling hot, the medical staff can cool them down with fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia. If you've been prescribed Ritalin put it in an area where children can't reach it. You can also ask your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. Lastly, do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Mix the medicine you don't need with ground coffee or cat litter and dispose of it.