How To Explain ADHD Medication Ritalin To A 5-Year-Old
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving brain communication, which decreases ADHD.
ADHD medication can cause negative side effects, including reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. The majority of these side effects are mild and will disappear on their o own or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate motivation and cognition. It is a psychostimulant that has been used for a long time. It is considered safe when you take it in the prescribed dosages under the guidance of your doctor.
However, there are reports of misuse of this drug and reports of addiction even at therapeutic doses. Therefore, physicians need to evaluate each patient for the risk and monitor these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families on this risk of harm and the need for proper disposal of any leftover medication. Using a locked medication box is ideal, as this will stop 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 can cause suicidal feelings or thoughts, especially in those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental health history. Discuss with your doctor right now if you exhibit any of these symptoms. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure which can lead to stroke or heart issues. If you feel chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating, contact your doctor immediately. Also, inform your doctor if you have any family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever had any type of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication may affect blood circulation, causing numbness or pain in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version is more effective than its generic counterpart. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication due to its safety and effectiveness. This medication can be abused, and should not be prescribed to anyone 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 is not yet scientifically proved. Some parents have reported that their children react differently to generic methylphenidate as opposed to name-brand, but this may not be true for all children.
Side effects
It takes time to determine the right dose when beginning treatment for ADHD. A healthcare provider will monitor your child's body reactions and adjust until they find the most effective treatment. These powerful medications can trigger adverse reactions that range from irritability, sleep problems and severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is an stimulant to the central nervous system. It works by increasing levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine as well as dopamine, chemical compounds that are associated with control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin can trigger serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden deaths in those with certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disturbances, high blood pressure, as well as the possibility of cardiac arrest and cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also raise your your child's blood pressure and pulse rate slightly. If you have heart issues or an existing condition your doctor will closely monitor your blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include changes in mood, including depression and anxiety. They can also impact behavior that can be particularly difficult for children who are taking the medication. In some instances it can cause tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds, such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also slow down growth in children and adolescents. This is usually temporary and doesn't affect their final height.
There are many kinds of this medication that are available on prescription only. It could be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolved in a capsule open and sprinkled onto food or a liquid. Some people use a short-acting formula that lasts from three to six hours, while others use it long-term and need an increased dose.
This medication can interact with other medications such as antidepressants and monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors. This medication can increase the risk of angle closure glaucoma which is a potentially fatal adverse side result.
Interactions
Many medications are able to interact with other drugs and substances, which can alter their effects. Some interactions can be dangerous, even deadly. Inform your doctor about any other medications you and your child is taking, such as supplements and vitamins, as well as prescription medications. Ritalin may interact with certain antidepressants. This is especially true for those that contain monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This can cause serious side effects, such as suicidal ideas or seizures, actions, or hallucinations. Ritalin is not recommended for people who suffer from circulatory issues such as Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in those with these conditions.
Some fMRI studies have found that an acute dose of methylphenidate in medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks increased activation in the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the striatum 25. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation when compared to non-medication and placebo conditions in the same regions.
These results suggest that methylphenidate improves performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Other fMRI and behavior data suggest 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 certain areas, such as the striatum, but not other areas, like the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants decreased ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in some patients, the combination did not perform as well as the single drug. The use of medications is not the sole treatment for ADHD, and most people do not need medication to manage the disorder. Skills training and behavior therapy can help a lot of people develop more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
Clinical trials haven't proven that the name-brand Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both drugs are chemically same, so they should both have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a stimulant of the central nervous system that improves concentration, focus and mood when taken according to the prescribed dosage. It has also been shown to be to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and narcolepsy. However, like all substances that alters the brain, if it is misused or used in large amounts, overdoses can happen. This could lead to stroke, heart attack, coma, and other serious medical problems. Being aware of symptoms of a Ritalin overdose is critical for preventing these symptoms and taking action to seek medical treatment.
A Ritalin overdose can be caused by a number of reasons. For example, someone may have a mishap and take too much medication because they do not remember to re-dose their medication. Other substances can interact with the drug to enhance its effects, or they may be using it for recreational purposes, without knowing how to dose it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin could lead to tolerance and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. As a result those with an history of using stimulants or other drugs should only take Ritalin under the supervision of a doctor.
visit the up coming webpage suffering from a Ritalin overdose should contact 911 immediately. First responders should know the dosage, when it was taken and if they've taken any other drugs or substances. The emergency response team will be able to better decide on the best way to treat the patient. Typically, they will pump the stomach, a process known as gastric lavage, to eliminate any excess substance from the body prior to it is taken into the bloodstream.
Ritalin can trigger seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical professionals. Antiseizure and fluids can be used to treat them. Activated charcoal may also be administered to the patient in order to stop the drug from circulating into the body. The hospital staff may cool the patient with fans or mists cooled water if they feel hot.
If you're prescribed Ritalin ensure that you store it in a secure location where children cannot reach it. Ask your pharmacist whether they have a return-to-prescription program. Do not keep any expired or unused medication. Instead, mix the expired medication with coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it.