The 10 Most Terrifying Things About ADHD Medication Ritalin
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It helps improve brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause adverse effects, such as diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. The majority of these side effects are minor and will disappear on their o own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of norepinephrine, dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for many years and is considered safe in recommended dosages when administered under the supervision of a doctor.
However there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Physicians must assess each patient's risk and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to educate patients and their families on this risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. A locked medicine box is ideal since it will stop children from accessing and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share this medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings especially in those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental illness history. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure which can lead to stroke or heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately in case you are experiencing an increased heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have is an ancestor with a history of heart disease, sudden death, or having suffered bleeding or stroke issues. This medication could affect your blood circulation and cause discomfort or numbness in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. However many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version because of its proven safety and effectiveness. It is important to note that this medication could be abused and should never be administered to a person who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication performs better than others, but this is only anecdotal and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate. However, this isn't the case for every child.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD it takes some time to find the proper dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments in order to find the most effective treatment. These medicines are extremely effective and can cause side effects, from irritability and sleep disorders to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin 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, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death, for those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and a history of cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest.
Similar to other stimulant drugs, Ritalin can result in 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 have heart issues or an existing health condition, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes in mood, such as depression and anxiety. They can also impact behavior, which can be especially difficult for children who are taking the drug. In some cases it can trigger tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive movements and sounds, such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in children and adolescents. However, this is usually temporary and does adhd medication work not affect their height at the end of the day.
The medication is available in several forms, but only on prescription. The medication can be taken as a tablet, which can be chewed, dissolved, or swallowed. It can also come in the form of a capsule which is then opened and sprinkled over food or liquid. Some people use an ingredient that acts quickly and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term and require a higher dose.
This medication may interact with other drugs like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication can also increase the risk of glaucoma caused by angle closure, a potentially deadly adverse effect.
Interactions
Many medications have the potential to interact with other medications and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions could be harmful and even life-threatening. Tell your doctor what other medications you or your child is taking, such as vitamins and supplements and over-the-counter drugs. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is especially relevant for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and behaviors or hallucinations, seizures, or even seizures. Ritalin is not recommended for people with issues with circulation like Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Some fMRI research has found that an acute dose methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation during placebo and off-medication for adhd conditions in the same regions.
These results support that methylphenidate can improve performance in stop and timing discrimination tasks by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. 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 such as the striatum, but not in other regions like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix types of adhd medication uk stimulants and non-stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in some 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 do not require them to live with the condition. Training in skills and behavior therapy can help a lot of people develop more effective strategies for coping with adhd without medication (blog post from Daoban).
Clinical trials haven't proven that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically similar, which means they should have the same effect on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that can help improve focus, concentration and mood when taken according to the prescribed dosage. It can also be effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large amounts, overdoses can occur. This can result in stroke, heart attack, coma, and other serious medical problems. Recognizing the symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is critical for preventing these symptoms and taking the necessary step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in various ways. For instance, a person could have a mishap and take too much medication due to the fact that they don't remember to re-dose their medication. They could also be taking other substances that could affect the drug and enhance its effects, or they might be taking it for recreational purposes and not know how to dose it correctly. Additionally, long-term use of Ritalin can result in addiction and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those with an addiction history.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. They must be able to provide the emergency personnel with specific details regarding the dosage, the time they took it, and what other drugs or substances they consumed. The emergency response team will then be able to decide on the best way to treat the patient. They will usually pump the stomach (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to remove any excess drugs from the body before they can be taken up by the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical experts. Fluids and antiseizure medications can be used to treat them. Activated charcoal can also be administered to the patient in order to prevent the drugs from entering their body. The hospital staff can cool the patient with fans or mists cooled water if they 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-to-prescription program. Don't keep any unused or expired medicine. Instead, mix the expired medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.