How Do I Explain ADHD Medication Ritalin To A 5-Year-Old
ADHD Medication - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant medicine used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It improves brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medications can cause side effects such as a diminished appetite and trouble sleeping. The majority of these side effects are mild and will disappear on their own or with time.
Dosage
Ritalin can increase 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 for a long time. It is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the supervision of your doctor.
Nevertheless there have been reports of addiction and abuse when the drug is administered in therapeutic doses. Physicians must determine the risk of each patient and monitor symptoms throughout the treatment. It is also essential to educate the patient and their family members about the risk of harm and the need for proper disposal of any unneeded medication. It is recommended to use a locked medicine container that will stop children from accidentally taking unused medication. It is also an excellent idea to inform patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions particularly in those who are bipolar, depressed or have a history of mental illness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also increase your blood pressure, which could cause stroke or heart problems. Contact your doctor immediately if you have a high heart rate, chest pain or sweating. Also, inform your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've ever suffered from any kind of bleeding issue or stroke. This medication can cause numbness and discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It isn't clear if the brand-name version of this medication is more effective than the generic version. Many doctors still prefer the brand-name medication because of its effectiveness and safety. This medication can be abused and should not be administered to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some individuals have reported that this medication works better than others, but this is only anecdotal and has not been proven scientifically. 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
When starting medications to treat ADHD it takes a bit of time to find the right dose. A healthcare professional will observe your child's body reactions and make adjustments until they find the most effective treatment. These medications are potent and can have side consequences, ranging from irritability and sleep problems to severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin is a nerve system stimulant, which has methylphenidate, the active ingredient. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also enhances your concentration and reduces restlessness and hyperactivity. Ritalin could cause serious heart problems, including stroke and sudden deaths in people with certain medical conditions. These include heart rhythm disorders and high blood pressure, as well as a history or heart attack and cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications Ritalin can cause a decrease in appetite and weight loss. It may also cause a slight increase in the speed of your child's pulse as well as blood pressure. This can be a problem in the event of a preexisting heart condition or heart problems and your doctor will be on watch over your heart rate and blood pressure.
Other adverse effects include anxiety and depression. They can also affect the way you behave that can be particularly difficult for children who are taking the drug. In some instances it can cause symptoms such as tics or TouretteaEUR(tm)s syndrome, which are repetitive movements and sounds such as eye blinking or clearing the throat. It can also cause a slowing of growth in children and teenagers. However it is usually temporary and does not affect their height at the end of the day.
There are several forms of this medication, which are available by prescription only. The medication is available as a tablet, which is chewed, dissolved or swallowed. It is also available in the form of a capsule which is opened and sprinkled on food or liquid. Some people take a formula that acts in a short time and lasts from three to six hours, while others take it for a longer time and require a higher dosage.
This medication can interact with other drugs including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It could also increase your your child's risk of developing a potentially fatal side effect, such as angle closure glaucoma.
Interactions
Many medications interact with other substances or drugs. This can change the effects. Certain interactions can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Inform your doctor about any other medications you or your child take, including supplements and vitamins, as well as prescription medications. Ritalin can interact with other antidepressants. This is especially the case for those with monoamine oxidase (MAOI) inhibitors.
MAOIs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts, actions or hallucinations, seizures, or even seizures. Ritalin is not recommended for people who suffer from circulatory issues, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or high pressure. It can also worsen symptoms of Tourette syndrome or tics in those with these conditions.
Some fMRI research has found that a high dose of methylphenidate given to medication responders during stop-and-time discrimination tasks boosted the activity of the right inferior frontal cortex (IFC) medial cingulate cortex, anterior cingulate (ACC), and the striatum. These changes were accompanied by a normalization of underactivation in placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results support that methylphenidate can improve performance in the tasks of stopping and timing discrimination by increasing the extracellular norepinephrine as well as dopamine. However, additional research on fMRI and behavior suggest that the mechanism is more complex than the increased levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. Psychostimulants, specifically, are believed to block dopamine reuptake in certain areas such as the striatum, but not in other areas, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a mix of stimulants and non-stimulants helped reduce ADHD symptoms in children with moderate to severe cases. However, in certain patients, the combination did not perform as well as a single drug. Medications are not the only treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not need them to live with the condition. Many people are able to develop more effective ways to cope with the disorder through behavior therapy and skill training.
Clinical trials haven't proved that the brand name Ritalin is superior to the generic version. Both medications are chemically similar, which means they should have similar effects on the majority of people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin is a stimulant for the central nervous system that improves focus, concentration and mood when used according to the prescribed dosage. It has also been proven to be effective in treating ADD/ADHD and narcolepsy. But, as with any drug that alters the brain, if it is misused or taken in large amounts, overdoses can occur. This could lead to stroke, heart attack or even coma. Being aware of the symptoms of an Ritalin overdose is crucial to the prevention of these symptoms and taking the necessary steps to seek medical assistance.
A Ritalin Overdose can be caused in various ways. For instance, a person may accidentally take too much because they do not remember to take a dose re-supplement. They could also be taking other substances that can interact with the drug and increase its effect or they may be using it for recreational purposes and not know how to dose it correctly. Long-term Ritalin usage can cause tolerance and psychological dependence that can lead to addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those who have a history of drug abuse.
Contact 911 immediately if you are experiencing an overdose of Ritalin. They should be able provide the emergency personnel with details about the dosage, the time they took it, and what other medications or substances they took. The emergency response team will determine the best course of action to do to treat the patient. They will usually pump the stomach (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to remove any excess drugs from the body before they are taken up by the bloodstream.
Ritalin can cause seizures. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should therefore be closely monitored by medical professionals. Fluids and antiseizure medication can be used to treat them. In addition, the patient could be treated with activated charcoal to prevent any further substance from entering the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient with fans or mists cool water if they feel hot.
If medications for adhd prescribed Ritalin be sure to store it in a safe area where children cannot get 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 cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.