best adhd medication for adults uk - Ritalin
Ritalin is a stimulant drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps improve brain communication, which can reduce ADHD.
ADHD medication can have negative side effects like reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping. However, most of these are minor and go away by themselves or over time.
Dosage
Ritalin increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, which are key neurotransmitters that are responsible for regulating motivation actions, cognition, and motivation. It is a psychostimulant and has been used for decades. It is considered to be safe when taken in the recommended dosages under the supervision of your doctor.
However there are reports of the abuse of this drug as well as reports of addiction even at therapeutic dosage levels. Therefore, doctors should examine each patient for risk and observe these symptoms throughout treatment. It is also important to inform patients and their families about the dangers and the necessity of proper disposal of any unused medication. Utilizing a locked medicine cabinet is ideal, as this keeps children from gaining access and taking doses that are not needed. It is also a great idea to remind patients not to share their medication with anyone.
This medication can trigger suicidal thoughts or feelings especially in those who suffer from bipolar disorder, depression or have a mental illness history. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor immediately. This medication may also cause an increase in blood pressure which could lead to strokes or heart issues. If you experience chest pain, a rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating, call your doctor immediately. Also, inform your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease or sudden death or if you've previously suffered any type of stroke or bleeding problem. This medication may cause numbness and discomfort in your toes or fingers. It can also make sleeping difficult.
It is not clear whether the brand-name version is more efficient than the generic version. However, many doctors prefer the brand-name version due to its proven safety and effectiveness. The medication is a risk for abuse and should not be prescribed to anyone who does not suffer from ADHD or Narcolepsy.
Some people have reported that this medication performs better than other medications, but this is purely anecdotal and has not been proven scientifically. Some parents have said that their children react differently to generic and name-brand methylphenidate. However, this isn't the case for all children.
Side effects
When you begin medication to treat ADHD, it takes some time to find the proper dose. A healthcare provider will monitor your or your child's bodily reactions and adjust until they discover the most effective dosage. These powerful medications can cause adverse reactions that range from sleep issues, irritability and even severe cardiovascular events.
Ritalin contains the active ingredient methylphenidate and is a stimulant for the central nervous system. It is a stimulant that increases levels of neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which are chemicals that control and attention. It also improves concentration and reduces restlessness as well as hyperactivity. Ritalin can cause serious heart problems, such as stroke and sudden death, for those suffering from certain medical conditions, such as heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure and an underlying heart attack or cardiovascular disease.
Like other stimulant medications, Ritalin can cause a decreased 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 could be a problem in the event of a preexisting heart condition or have heart problems, so your doctor will be on watch over your blood pressure and heart rate.
Other side effects include changes to mood, like depression and anxiety. These side effects can also affect children's behavior, which can be particularly difficult for children who are still young. In some instances, it can cause tics, or TouretteaEURtm(tm), which are repetitive movements or sounds, such as eye blinking and throat clearing. It can also slow down growth in adolescents and children. It is usually temporary and doesn't alter their height in the future.
This medication is available in various forms, but only on prescription. It can be a tablet that's swallowed, chewed or dissolved in a capsule open and sprinkled onto food items or a liquid. Some people use an instant-acting formulation that lasts between three and six hours, while others take it for a longer time and require more dosage.
This medication can interact with other drugs, such as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs) and antidepressants. It can 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 or even fatal. Discuss with your doctor the other medications you and your child take, including supplements and vitamins, as well as prescription medications. Ritalin is known to interact with antidepressants, specifically those that contain monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs boost dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. This can lead to serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts and actions, seizures, or hallucinations. Ritalin should not be taken by those with circulatory issues like Raynaud's syndrome or high blood pressure. It can also aggravate symptoms in those suffering from Tourette syndrome and tics.
Certain fMRI studies have shown that an acute dose of methylphenidate within medication responders during stop and time discrimination tasks enhanced 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 normalization of underactivation when compared to placebo and off-medication conditions in the same regions.
These results support the notion that methylphenidate elicits its effects on behavior by increasing extracellular dopamine and norepinephrine, which improve performance in stop and time-discrimination tasks. Other fMRI and behavioral data suggest the mechanism is more complex than increased norepinephrine and dopamine. Psychostimulants, in particular, seem to hinder dopamine reuptake in certain areas like the striatum, but not in other regions, such the frontal lobes.
In one study, a combination between stimulants and nonstimulants reduced symptoms of ADHD in children with moderate to severe cases. In some cases, however, the combination didn't perform like one drug. There is no one-stop treatment for ADHD and the majority of people do not require medications to manage the disorder. Behavior therapy and skills training can help a lot of people develop more effective strategies to cope with the disorder.
There are reports that brand-name Ritalin is more effective than the generic form however this hasn't been confirmed by clinical trials. Both drugs are chemically the same, which means they will both have the same effects on most people.
Overdose
Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is a central nervous system stimulant that improves concentration, focus and mood when taken according to the prescribed dosage. It can also be effective in treating narcolepsy, ADD/ADHD and ADD. But, as with any drug that alters the brain, if misused or taken in large doses, overdoses can occur. This can lead to stroke, heart attack, or coma. Recognizing the signs of an Ritalin overdose is vital to preventing these symptoms and taking the necessary step to seek medical attention.
A Ritalin Overdose can occur in a variety of ways. For example, someone may have a mishap and take too much medication because they forget to take a dose re-supplement. They could also be taking other substances that could affect the drug and increase its effect or they may be taking it for recreational purposes and aren't aware of how to properly dose it. In addition, long-term usage of Ritalin can result in addiction and psychological dependence that can cause addiction. Ritalin is not recommended by those who have a history of drug abuse.
Patients suffering from a Ritalin overdose should dial 911 immediately. They should be able provide the emergency personnel with specific details regarding their dosage, when they were taking it, as well as any other medications or substances they took. The emergency response team will then be able to more accurately determine how to treat the patient. They will usually perform a stomach pump (a procedure known as gastriclavage) to eliminate any excess drugs from the body before they are absorption into the bloodstream.
Ritalin may trigger seizures. People who experience these symptoms should be closely monitored by medical experts. They can be treated by taking fluids and anti-seizure medication. Activated charcoal may also be administered to the patient in order to stop the drug from entering the body. The hospital staff can cool the patient with fans or mists cooled water if they feel hot.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin, store it in an area in a place where children aren't able to reach it. Ask your pharmacist if they have a drug-return program. Do not keep any expired or unused medicine. Instead, mix the unused medication with cat litter or coffee grounds and dispose of it.