5 Killer Quora Answers On ADHD Medication Ritalin
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves the way parts of the brain communicate, which reduces ADHD symptoms.
ADHD medications can cause side effects such as a diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. The majority of these side effects are minor and will fade on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which are vital neurotransmitters partially responsible for regulating motivation, action, and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for decades. It is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the guidance of your physician.
However there are reports of the abuse of this drug as well as reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Therefore, physicians need to evaluate each patient for the risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is crucial to inform patients as well as their family members of the dangers of taking medications that are not used and the need to properly dispose of them. It is recommended to use an enclosed medicine cabinet that will stop children from accidentally taking unused medication. It's also a great idea to tell patients not to give their medication to anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in those who are depressed, bipolar or have an history of mental illness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which can result in heart attacks or strokes. Call your doctor right away when you experience a high heart rate, chest pain, or sweating. Inform your doctor if you have 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 can cause numbness and pain in your feet or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medication is more efficient than the generic version. However, many doctors prefer to use the brand-name version due its history of safety and effectiveness. It is also important to keep in mind that this medication could be abused and should never be administered to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or narcolepsy.
Some claim that this medication is more effective than other. However this is only anecdotal evidence and is not yet scientifically proved. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to brand name, however this may not be the case for all children.
Side effects
When you are first starting medication to treat ADHD it takes some time to determine the appropriate dosage. A doctor will be able to monitor your child's body reactions and adjust until they can find the most effective dosage. These powerful medications can trigger adverse effects that range from sleep disorders, irritability and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant, which has methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals associated with control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including strokes and sudden deaths for patients with certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure and an underlying heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It can also increase your or your child's blood pressure and pulse rate slightly. This could be a concern when you have a prior heart condition or heart problems and your doctor will be on watch over your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect behavior which is particularly difficult for children who are taking the medication. In certain instances, it may cause the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow growth in children and adolescents. However, this is usually temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
The medication is available in several forms, but only with a prescription. The best medication for adhd and anxiety is available in the form of a tablet that is chewed, dissolving or swallowed. It is also available in the form of a capsule, that is opened and sprinkled on food or liquid. Some people choose to take an instant-acting formulation that lasts from three to six hours, while others use it for a longer time and require more dose.
This medication can interact with other medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It could also increase your or your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, called angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications can interact with other substances or drugs. This can change the effects of their actions. Some interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you or your child is taking, such as supplements and vitamins as well as best over the counter adhd medication for adults-the-counter medications. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts, actions or hallucinations, seizures, or even seizures. Ritalin should not be taken by people who have circulatory issues such as Raynaud's phenomena or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics for those with these conditions.
Some fMRI research has found that an acute dose of 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 with normalization of the subactivation in the same areas during placebo and off medication conditions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate enhances performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest that the mechanism is more complex than an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in some areas, like the striatum, but not in other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and non stimulant adhd medications for adults-stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in certain patients, the combination did not work as well as the single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD, and most people do not require medication to manage the condition. Behavior therapy and skills training can assist many people in learning better coping strategies.
Clinical trials have not confirmed that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two medications 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 boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It has also been proven effective in treating ADD/ADHD as well as narcolepsy. However, like all substances that alters the brain, if misused or taken in large quantities, an overdoses can happen. This could lead to stroke, heart attack and coma as well as other serious medical problems. Being aware of the signs of an Ritalin overdose is vital to the prevention of these symptoms and taking action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a variety of factors. For instance, a person may 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 can affect the drug and increase its effect, or they might be using it for recreational purposes and not know how to get adhd medication without diagnosis to dose it correctly. Long-term Ritalin use can result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. As a result those with a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should only use Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
Contact 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They should be able give the emergency responders specific details regarding their dosage, when they were taking it, as well as any other drugs or substances they took. The emergency response team will be able to more accurately determine how to treat the patient. They usually pump the stomach (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drug from the body before they can be absorbed in the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by a medical professional. They are treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. In addition, the patient might be given activated charcoal to block any more of the drug from circulating in the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient down by using fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.
If you've been prescribed Ritalin put it in a place where children can't reach it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist about a take-back program. Don't keep expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the expired medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and throw it away.