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Blog entry by Owen Lawless

The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About ADHD Medication Ritalin

ADHD Medication - Ritalin

Ritalin is a stimulant medication that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.

iampsychiatry-logo-wide.pngadhd over the counter medication uk medication can cause side effects, such as sleepiness and a lack of appetite. However, the majority of these are minor and disappear by themselves or over the counter adhd medication for adults time.

Dosage

Ritalin increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters partially responsible for regulating motivation as well as action and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for decades and is believed to be safe when doses are prescribed and administered under the supervision by a physician.

However there have been instances of addiction and abuse when the drug is used at therapeutic doses. Doctors must evaluate the risk for each patient and monitor the symptoms throughout treatment. It is essential to inform patients as well as their relatives about the dangers of not using medications and the need to properly dispose of them. Using a locked medication box is a good idea, since it prevents children from accessing and taking doses that are not needed. It's also a good idea to inform patients not to divulge their medication to anyone.

This medication could trigger suicidal thoughts or actions particularly in those who are depressed, bipolar, or have an history of mental illness. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which could cause stroke or heart problems. Get your doctor's attention immediately in case you are experiencing an elevated 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 may cause numbness and pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleep difficult.

It is not clear whether the brand-name version of this medication is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication due to its safety and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse, and should not be prescribed to anyone who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.

Some individuals have reported that this medication works better than others, but this is purely anecdotal and hasn't been proved scientifically. 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 find the proper dosage. A healthcare provider will monitor the body reactions of your child or you and make adjustments to find the best medication. These powerful medications can cause adverse effects that range from irritability, sleep problems and serious cardiovascular events.

Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant, which has methylphenidate as the active ingredient. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin may cause serious heart problems, such as sudden death and stroke in people with certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disorders high blood pressure, an history of heart attack or cardiovascular disease.

Ritalin like other stimulant drugs, can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite. It may also raise the pulse rate and blood pressure little. If you have heart problems or an existing condition, your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.

Other side effects include changes in mood, such as depression and anxiety. These side effects can affect children's behavior, which is especially difficult for those who are young. In certain instances, it may cause tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also cause a slowing of growth in children and teenagers. It is usually temporary and does not alter their height at the end of the day.

The medication is available in various forms, but only with a prescription. It could be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed or dissolving or a capsule that is opened and sprinkled on food or a liquid. Some people use the formula that has a short-acting effect and lasts between three and six hours. Others prefer it to be long-term and require a higher dose.

This medication may interact with other drugs, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. This medication may increase the chance of developing angle closure glaucoma which could be a fatal adverse result.

Interactions

Many medications can interact with other drugs or substances. This can alter the effects of their actions. Some interactions can be dangerous and even fatal. You should tell your doctor about all the other medicines you or your child taking, including over-the-counter medicines and vitamins and supplements. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is especially true for those that contain monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.

MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can lead to severe side effects, including suicidal thoughts or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for those who suffer from circulatory issues like Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It may also aggravate symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics for those who have these conditions.

Some fMRI research has found that an acute dose methylphenidate given to responders to medication during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC), medial cingulate cortex (MCC), anterior cingulate (ACC) and striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the subactivation in the same areas during the placebo and off-medicament conditions.

These results support the notion that methylphenidate elicits its behavioral effect through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. However, other research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complicated than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. In particular, psychostimulants appear to hinder the reuptake process of dopamine in some areas, such as the striatum, but not in other areas, like the frontal lobes.

In one study, a mix between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in some patients the combination did not perform as well as the single drug. Most people don't need what medication is given for adhd to manage ADHD. Many people are able to develop better ways to cope through therapy for behavior and training.

A few people have reported that the name-brand Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been confirmed by clinical studies. Both medications are chemically identical, and they are likely to have the same effect on most people.

Overdose

Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It also works in treating ADD/adhd Medication ritalin, narcolepsy and ADD. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large doses, overdoses can happen. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, or even coma. Recognizing the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is critical for preventing these symptoms and taking the appropriate action to seek medical treatment.

A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of factors. A person may take too many pills due to the fact that they did not remember to refill their prescription. They might also consume other substances that can interact with the drug and enhance its effects, or they might be using it for recreational purposes and not know how to properly dose it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin can result in addiction and psychological dependence which can lead to addiction. In the end, those who have an history of using stimulants or other drugs should use Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.

Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, when it was taken, and if they have consumed any other medications or substances. The emergency response team will determine the best medication for adhd and anxiety course of action to do to treat the patient. They will usually use the stomach pump (a procedure referred to as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they can be absorption into the bloodstream.

Ritalin can cause seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. They can be treated with fluids and anti-seizure medication. Activated charcoal is also given to the patient to stop the drug from circulating into their body. If they are feeling hot, the staff at the hospital can cool them down by using fans and mists of water to avoid hyperthermia.

If you are prescribed Ritalin, make sure to keep it in a secure area where children cannot get it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Don't keep any expired or unused medicine. Mix the medicine that is not used with ground coffee or cat litter and throw it out.

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