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Information on Ritalin and Other Methylphenidate Drugs

This article is a general view of Ritalin for comparison with other available ADHD medications. I have taken all of the information in the published medical manuals and text books and summarized it for your convince.
I am not a doctor. Talk to a one for any real advice.

Other names:
Metadate Cd, Methylphenidate, Daytrana (the patch), Focalin (extended release), Concerta, Methylin, Riphenidate, Equasym.

Available in:
Tablets, extended release tablets, the patch.

Why it is prescribed:
To treat ADHD and narcolepsy (uncontrolled onset of sleep).

How it works:

This drug is thought to increase the levels of chemicals in our brain that make reduce or eliminate the symptoms of ADHD. By increasing these chemicals that make us feel good and concentrate the drugs helps you get things done.

There is no evidence which establishes how Methylphenidate produces its mental and behavioral effects.The effectiveness of Ritalin for more than four weeks has not been evaluated in clinical trials.

Seriously! This is complicated and very important to your safety and health. Speak with a doctor about it. They are the experts.

Ritalin Side Effects

Serious, seek immediate medical help:
Fast heartbeat, unusual bleeding or bruising, chest pain, fever, joint pain, skin rash or hives, uncontrolled body movements, blurred vision or other vision changes, sore throat and fever, unusual fatigue, weight loss, mood or mental changes.

Common, speak with your family doctor or prescriber:
Loss of appetite, insomnia, nervousness.

Less Common, speak with your doctor at your next scheduled visit:
Dizziness, stomach pain, drowsiness, nausea, headache.

Overdose: Go immediately to the emergency room!
Agitation, confusion, delirium, seizures, dry mouth, false sense of well-being, rapid pounding or irregular heartbeat, fever, sweating, severe headache, increased blood pressure, muscle twitching, tremors, vomiting.

Dosage Information

Typical dosage:
Tablets- children ages six and older: to start 5mg three times a day. Your doctor may increase the dose by 5 to 10mg on a weekly basis. Daily dose over 60mg is not recommended.Adults 10 to 30mg per day, taking in divided doses two to three times a day, with or after meals.Extended release tablets- adults 20mg two to three times a day.

Onset effect:
Tablets- usually within 30 minutes.Extended release tablets- usually between 30 and 60 minutes.

Duration:
Tablets- four to six hours.Extended release tablets- six hours or longer.

Dietary:
Can be taken with or without food.

Storage:
Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.

Missed dose:
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearer the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Stopping the Drug:
Take it as prescribed for the full treatment period, even if you begin to feel better before the scheduled end of therapy. The decision to stop taking the drug should be made by your doctor. The doctor may decrease your dose is gradually to reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms.

Careful supervision is required during drug withdrawal, since severe depression as well as the effects of chronic overactivity can be unmasked. Long-term follow-up may be required because of the patients basic personality disturbances.

Prolonged Use:
See your doctor regularly for tests and examinations.

Precautions

Should be given cautiously to emotionally unstable patients, such as those with a history of drug dependence or alcoholism, because such patients may increase dosage on their own initiative. Chronically abusive use can lead to mark tolerance and psychological dependence with varying degrees of abnormal behavior. Frank psychotic episodes can occur, especially with parental abuse.

Over 60:
No special problems expected.

Driving hazardous work:
Do not drive or engage in hazardous working to determine how the medicine affects you.

Pregnancy:
Adequate human studies have not been completed. Before taking Ritalin tell your doctor if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breast feeding:
It is not known whether methylphenidate passes into breast milk. Caution is advised. Consult your doctor for advice.

Interactions

Drug:
Consult your doctor for specific advice if you're taking tricyclic antidepressants, caffeine, beta-blockers, digitalis drugs, central nervous system stimulants, meperidine, MAO inhibitors, sympathomimetic agents, or thyroid hormones.

Food:
Caffeinated beverages and foods may interact with this drug.

Disease:
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following: advance blood vessel disease, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, severe anxiety, Tourette's syndrome, glaucoma, or a history of drug abuse.

Why did I want to take this stuff again?

After all that you might be asking yourself. What was the reason I am taking Ritalin again?

It was to reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
If you feel that the potential risks are worth the gains then go for it!
If you need more here are many other natural remedies and treatments for ADHD.

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