How To Explain ADHD Medication Ritalin To Your Grandparents
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ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It helps improve brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medications can have side effects such as a diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. However, the majority of these are mild and disappear by themselves or with 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 that has been used for a long time. It is considered to be safe when used in the dosages recommended under the guidance of your doctor.
However, there have been reports of abuse and addiction even when the drug is taken at therapeutic doses. Therefore, physicians need to assess each patient for danger and monitor their symptoms throughout treatment. It is also crucial to educate the patient and their family members about the dangers and the need for proper disposal of any unneeded medication. A locked medicine box is ideal, as this keeps children from gaining access and accidentally taking unused doses. It's also a good idea to inform patients not to give their medication to anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts, or actions, especially in people who are depressed, bipolar, or have a history of mental illness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. This medication can also raise your blood pressure, which could cause heart or stroke. Get your doctor's attention immediately in case you are experiencing an increased heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Tell your doctor if there is an ancestor with a history of heart disease, sudden death or if you've ever had an accident or suffered from bleeding issues. This medication may cause numbness and discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make it hard to sleep.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medication is more efficient than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand name medication due to its effectiveness and safety. It is important to remember that this medication could be misused and should not be administered to a person who isn't suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people report that this medication works better than other medications, but this is just anecdotal evidence and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents report 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 begin medication to treat ADHD it takes some time to determine the appropriate dose. A healthcare professional will observe your child's body reactions and adjust until they find the most effective medication. These medicines are powerful and can have side effects, ranging from irritability to sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant that has methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine as well as norepinephrine, which are chemicals that aid in control and attention. It also increases concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems including strokes and sudden deaths in those with certain medical conditions. This includes heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure, as well as a history or cardiac arrest or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also increase your child's pulse rate and blood pressure. This can be a problem in the event of a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems as a result, so your doctor will keep close check on your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. These side effects can also affect the behavior of children, which is particularly challenging for children who are young. In some instances it can trigger symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or throat clearing. It can also cause a slowing of growth for children and teens. It 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's swallowed, chewed or dissolved or a capsule that is open and sprinkled onto food items or a liquid. Some people take a short-acting formula that lasts between three and six hours, while others use it long-term and require more dose.
This medication can interact with other drugs, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It may also increase your your child's risk of 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. It is important to inform your doctor about all other medications you or your child are taking, including prescription drugs as well as supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants, particularly those that contain check here monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs).
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This can cause severe side effects, including suicidal ideas or actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by those with issues with circulation, like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It may also aggravate symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in those who suffer from these conditions.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate in medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks enhanced activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by normalization of underactivation during non-medication and placebo conditions in the same regions.
These results support the hypothesis that methylphenidate causes its effect on behavior through the increase of extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which enhance performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. However, other studies of fMRI and behavioral evidence suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. In particular, psychostimulants appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in specific areas, such as the striatum, but not in other areas, like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mixture of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in certain patients, the combination did not perform as well as a single drug. The majority of people don't require medication to deal with ADHD. Training in skills and behavior therapy can help a lot of people develop more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
Clinical trials have not confirmed that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically similar, which means they are likely to have the same effect on a majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It can boost mood, focus and concentration when taken as prescribed. It can also be effective in treating ADD/ADHD, narcolepsy and ADD. Overdose is possible with any substance that alters brain function. This can result in stroke, heart attack or even coma. It is important to be aware of the signs of an overdose Ritalin to avoid these symptoms and seek medical care.
A Ritalin overdose can result from a variety of factors. For instance, a person could overdose due to the fact that they don't remember to take a dose re-supplement. They could also be taking other substances that may interact with the drug and enhance its effects or they could be using it recreationally and aren't aware of how to dose it properly. Long-term Ritalin use can also result in tolerance and a psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. In the end, those who have an history of abuse of stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a medical professional.
Anyone suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, the time it was taken, and if they have taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to more accurately determine how to treat the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, which is used to remove any excess substance from the body prior to it can be taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. People who experience these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medications are a way to treat them. Activated charcoal may also be given to the patient in order to stop the drug from entering their body. If they feel hot, the hospital staff can cool them down by using fans and mists of water in order to prevent hyperthermia.
If you are prescribed Ritalin be sure to store it in a safe location where children cannot reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return program. Don't keep expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.