How To Explain ADHD Medication Ritalin To Your Grandparents
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause side effects, such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, most of these are minor and will go away on their own 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 and is considered safe when taken in the recommended dosages taken under the guidance by a physician.
However there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is taken at therapeutic doses. Therefore, doctors should evaluate each patient for the risk and observe these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also essential to educate the patient and their family members about the risk of harm and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. It is best to utilize an enclosed medicine cabinet, which prevents children from consuming unneeded medication. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication may trigger suicidal feelings or thoughts, particularly in people who suffer from bipolar disorder or depression or have a mental health history. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. This medication may also raise your blood pressure, which could result in heart attacks or strokes. Contact your doctor 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've previously suffered any type of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication can affect blood circulation, causing discomfort or numbness in your toes and 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 effectiveness and safety. It is important to remember that this medication could be misused and should not be administered to a person who is not suffering from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some claim that this medication is more effective than others. However this is only anecdotal evidence, and has not yet been scientifically verified. Some parents have reported that their children respond differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate. However, this isn't necessarily the case for every child.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the right dose when beginning treatment for ADHD. A doctor will be able to monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and adjust until they find the most effective dosage. These medications are potent and may cause adverse consequences, ranging from irritability and sleep disorders to serious cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a central nerve system stimulant that has methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, chemicals associated control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden death in people with certain medical conditions, including heart rhythm disorders as well as high blood pressure and a history of cardiac arrest or 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 blood pressure and pulse rate slightly. 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, like depression and anxiety. They can also impact behavior, which can be especially difficult for young children taking the drug. In some cases it can trigger the development of tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which is repetitive actions and sounds like eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow the growth in teenagers and children. This is usually temporary, and does not affect their final height.
There are several types of this medication, which are available by prescription only. It could be a tablet that is swallowed, chewed on or dissolved in a capsule open and sprinkled onto food or in a liquid. Some people use an instant-acting formulation that lasts from three to six hours, while others take it long-term and require an increased dose.
This medication can interact with other medications, such as antidepressants or monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. It could 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 drugs and substances, which can alter their effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about all other medications you or your child are taking, including prescription medications and supplements and vitamins. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is especially relevant for those that contain monoamine oxide (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This could cause serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts or actions, seizures, and hallucinations. Ritalin should not be used by those with circulatory problems such as Raynaud's phenomenon or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms for those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have revealed that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied with normalization of the subactivation in the same regions during the placebo and off-medicament conditions.
These results support the idea that methylphenidate exerts its behavioral effect by increasing the amount of dopamine in the extracellular space and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral studies suggest that the mechanism is more complex than an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, in particular, appear to block the reuptake of dopamine in some areas, like the striatum, but not others, such as the frontal lobes.
In add in adults medication , a combination of stimulants and non-stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in a few patients, the combination did not perform as well as a single drug. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not require medication to manage the disorder. Many people can develop better coping skills through therapy and training.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. The two drugs are chemically identical, and they should have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is a stimulant of the central nervous system. It can enhance mood, focus and concentration when prescribed. It has also been proven to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and the disorder known as narcolepsy. However, like any substance that alters the brain, if misused or used in large doses, overdoses can happen. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, coma, and other serious medical issues. Recognizing the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is vital to stopping these symptoms and taking action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of factors. Someone may accidentally consume too many pills since they didn't remember to take a dose retake. Other substances can interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they could be using it for recreational purposes, and not know how to dose it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin can result in tolerance and psychological dependence which can lead to addiction. As a result, those who have a history of abusing stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a physician.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. First responders should know the dose, the time it was taken and if they've taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will then be able to better decide on the best way to treat the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, a process called gastric lavage, to remove any excess drugs from the body before it can be taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures, and anyone who is experiencing these symptoms should be monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medication are a way to treat them. Activated charcoal can also be given to the patient in order to stop the drug from entering their body. The hospital staff may cool the patient by using fans or mists of cool water if they feel hot.
If you are prescribed Ritalin be sure to keep it in a secure location where children cannot reach it. You can also inquire with your pharmacist about a drug take-back program. Lastly, do not keep any unused or expired medicine. Instead, mix the unneeded medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and throw it away.