5 Killer Quora Answers On ADHD Medication Ritalin
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ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves the way parts of the brain communicate, which can reduce ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medication can have negative side effects like 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 are responsible for regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant which has been used for a long time. It is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the supervision of your physician.
Nevertheless, there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is taken in therapeutic doses. Physicians must determine each patient's risk and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is important to inform patients as well as their family members about the dangers of not using medications and the need to properly get rid of them. A locked medicine box is a good idea, since it keeps children from gaining access and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings, especially for those who are bipolar or depressed or have a mental illness history. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which can cause heart or stroke. Get your doctor's attention immediately in case you are experiencing an elevated heart rate, chest pain or sweating. 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 alter your blood circulation and cause discomfort or numbness in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
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 history of 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 people believe that this medication is more effective than other. However it is merely anecdotal evidence and is not yet scientifically verified. Some parents report that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate than the brand name, but this might not be the case for all children.
Side effects
When starting medications to treat ADHD, it takes some time to find the right dose. A doctor will be able to monitor the body reactions of your child or yourself and make adjustments to find the best medication. These powerful medications can trigger side effects ranging from irritability, sleep problems and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that contains methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, chemicals associated control and attention. It also increases your concentration and reduces anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden deaths in patients who suffer from certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest and cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It can also increase your or your child's pulse rate and blood pressure slightly. If you suffer from heart problems or an existing medical condition Your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes to mood, including depression and anxiety. They can also affect behavior that can be particularly difficult for young children taking the drug. In some cases it can trigger the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow growth in children and adolescents. This is usually temporary, and does not affect their final height.
There are many forms of this medication, which are available by prescription only. It can be a tablet swallowed, chewed on or dissolved, a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food items or a liquid. Some people take a short-acting formula that lasts between three and six hours, while others take it long-term and need more dose.
This medication may interact with other medications such as antidepressants or monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors. It can also increase your your child's chance of suffering from a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other medications and substances, which can alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous and even fatal. Inform your doctor about any other medications you and your child take, including supplements and vitamins, as well as prescription drugs. Ritalin can interact with some antidepressants. This is particularly true for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended by those with issues with circulation, such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It may also aggravate symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in people who suffer from these conditions.
A few fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate given to medication responders during stop-and time discrimination tasks increased the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation during non-medication and placebo conditions in the same regions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate improves performance in tasks of stop and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. Other fMRI and behavioral studies suggest that the mechanism is more complex than an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the dopamine reuptake in certain areas like the striatum, but not in other areas like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases, the combination did not work as effectively as one medication. The majority of people don't require medication to manage ADHD. Behavior therapy and skills training can assist many people in learning more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the website brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically identical, and they should have the same effect on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin is a stimulant for the central nervous system that improves concentration, focus and mood when used according to the prescription. It can also be effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in heart attack, stroke, or even coma. Being aware of the signs of a Ritalin overdose is crucial to stopping these symptoms and taking the appropriate action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can happen in a variety of ways. A person may take too many pills due to the fact that they didn't remember to take a dose retake. Other substances can interact with the drug, causing its effects, or they could be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to dose it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin could lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that could lead to addiction. In the end those with an history of abuse of stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
Call 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. First responders should know the dose, the time it was taken, and if they have consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will be able to better decide on the best way to treat the patient. They usually use the stomach pump (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drug from the body before they are taken up by the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures, and anyone who is suffering from these symptoms should be monitored by a medical professional. Fluids and antiseizure medications are a way to treat them. In addition, the person may be given activated charcoal to block any further substance from entering the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient with fans or mists of chilled water if they are feeling hot.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin keep it in an area where children can't reach it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Lastly, do not keep any expired or unusable medication. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.