A Proficient Rant Concerning ADHD Medication Ritalin
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medications can have adverse effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. Most of these side effects are minor and will disappear on their o own or with time.
Dosage

Ritalin increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters within the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used since decades. It is considered to be safe when used in the dosages recommended under the supervision of a doctor.
However, there are reports of abuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors must evaluate each patient for the danger and monitor their symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to educate patients and their families about the dangers and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is ideal since it keeps children from gaining access and accidentally taking unused doses. It is also a good idea to advise patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts or behaviors particularly in those who are bipolar, depressed or have an history of mental illness. Discuss with your doctor right immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which could cause heart or stroke. Get your doctor's attention immediately if you have an elevated heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Tell your doctor if there is any family history of heart disease, sudden death or having suffered a stroke or bleeding problems. This medication can cause numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make it hard to fall asleep.
It is not clear whether the brand-name version is more efficient than the generic version. However, many doctors prefer the brand-name version due its safety record and effectiveness. It is also important to note that this medication can be misused and should never be given to someone who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people have reported that this medication performs better than others, however this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proved scientifically. Some parents have stated that their children react differently to generic versus name-brand methylphenidate. However, this isn't the case for every child.
Side effects
It takes time to find the correct dose when starting medication to treat ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to determine the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can cause adverse reactions that range from sleep disorders, irritability and serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate. It is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also increases your concentration and decreases anxiety and restlessness. Ritalin can cause serious heart issues, including stroke and sudden deaths in those with certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure and an underlying cardiac arrest and cardiovascular disease.
Ritalin, like other stimulant medications, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also cause a slight increase in the rate of your child's pulse and blood pressure. If you suffer from heart problems or an existing condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other side effects include changes in mood, including anxiety and depression. They can also affect the way you behave which is particularly difficult for children who are just starting to take the medication. In some cases it can cause tics or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repeated sounds or movements, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also cause a slowing of growth in children and teenagers. This is usually temporary and does not alter their height at the end of the day.
There are many forms of this medication, that are available with a prescription only. It could be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolving, a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food items or a liquid. Some people choose to use an ingredient that acts quickly and lasts between three and six hours. Others take it long-term and require an increased dosage.
This medication may interact with other medications such as antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It can also increase your or your child's risk of a potentially fatal side effect, angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other medications and substances, which could alter their effects. Certain interactions can be harmful and even fatal. It is important to inform your doctor about all the other medicines you or your child are taking, including prescription medications as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, particularly those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can lead to severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, and hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for individuals who suffer from circulatory issues such as Raynaud's syndrome or high pressure. It may also cause more symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
A few fMRI studies have revealed that a high dose of methylphenidate administered to patients responding 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 striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation in the placebo and off-medication states in the same regions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate enhances performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine. However, other studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine in some regions, like the striatum, but not in other areas, such as the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD-like symptoms in children who had moderate to severe cases. However, in a few patients the combination didn't perform as well as a single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not need medications to manage the disorder. Behavior therapy and skills training can help many people learn more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
Some people anecdotally report that the name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic version however this hasn't been proven by clinical trials. Both drugs are chemically the identical, and therefore should both have the same effects on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate more commonly referred to as Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that can help improve concentration, focus and mood when used according to the prescription. It has also been found effective in treating ADD/ADHD and the disorder known as narcolepsy. It is possible to overdose with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in stroke, heart attack, or coma. Recognizing the signs of an Ritalin overdose is critical for the prevention of these symptoms and taking the appropriate action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in many ways. A person may take too many pills due to the fact that they did not remember to redose their medication. Other substances may interact with the drug to increase its effects, or they could be taking it for recreational purposes without knowing how to do it. Long-term Ritalin use can lead to tolerance and psychological dependency that can lead addiction. Ritalin should only be used by those with a history of drug abuse.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should call 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, when it was taken and if they've consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team can determine what they should do to treat the person. They will usually pump the stomach (a procedure called gastriclavage) to remove any excess drug from the body before they can be absorbed in the bloodstream.
adhd without medication may trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. They are treated with fluids and anti-seizure medications. Activated charcoal may also be given to the patient in order to stop the drug from entering their body. If they are feeling hot, the hospital staff can cool them down by using fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia.
If you're prescribed Ritalin ensure that you keep it in a secure area where children cannot get it. You can also ask your pharmacist for a take-back program. Don't keep any expired or unusable medication. Mix the medicine you don't need with ground coffee or cat litter and throw it out.