Medication is frequently used to treat the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that are associated with the disorder. The symptoms can impair functioning in school and at home, and interfere with forming and keeping friendships.
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed drug for ADHD worldwide. Although it has been used for over 50 years to treat ADHD — and studies have found it to be effective in decreasing the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity — there had been no comprehensive, systematic reviews of the benefits and risks of this drug until this study.
For the study, the investigators reviewed hundreds of papers that had examined the effects of methylphenidate for ADHD. In addition, parents reported a better quality of life for the family when their children were taking medication. On the other hand, there was some evidence that methylphenidate comes with the risk of side effects, including sleep problems and decreased appetite.
The good news is that there was no evidence that methylphenidate increases serious side effects, which would include life-threatening problems — that is, something that would require a hospital stay or result in a life-long condition.
So what does this mean for parents trying to decide whether their child should take ADHD medication? It most likely will not. Knowing that issues such as these might be a problem, and that these issues may improve as a child adjusts to the medication, can help parents anticipate possible solutions — which can include, for example, having a big breakfast before taking the medication or lowering the dose if sleep is an issue. Interestingly and often surprisingly, for many people , other studies have shown that at least one-third and up to one-half of children with significant developmental and psychological problems go untreated.
This study also only addresses one medication, although it is the one that is most popularly prescribed. In fact, recent studies indicate that a combination approach might be best.
In other words, medication can help kids to get more out of non-medication treatments such as therapy and school supports. When prescribed correctly by a medical doctor who understands and commonly treats these issues, the downsides of medication with methylphenidate probably do not outweigh the positives in most cases.
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. I might also like to mention that most individuals who find themselves devoid of health insurance are typically students, self-employed and people who are without a job. More than half of the uninsured are really under the age of Thirty five. Its income is typically spent on real estate, food, plus entertainment.
Some people that do represent the working class either full or part-time are not provided insurance by way of their work so they head out without due to rising cost of health insurance in the us. Thanks for the thoughts you share through this blog. Our analysis shows it's less expensive than brand-name stimulants and is as safe and effective. Get Ratings on the go and compare while you shop.
Sign In. Become a Member. Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Chest pain, changes in heartbeat, or breathing difficulties can also be dangerous, and a person should call or their local emergency service immediately. Ritalin methylphenidate is a stimulant medication for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Ritalin can cause side effects and has the potential for….
Ritalin and Adderall are different types of stimulant medication that doctors can prescribe to help treat ADHD. Learn about the differences between…. Concerta and Ritalin are both prescription drugs containing the active ingredient methylphenidate hydrochloride. There are many different ADHD medications. This article provides a list of ADHD medications and discusses side effects, risks, and benefits of….
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, is a complex condition that can be difficult to diagnose. There are several different types…. What are the effects of Ritalin? Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. What is Ritalin? Uses Side effects Short-term effects Long-term effects Interactions Seeing a doctor Summary Ritalin is a stimulant drug that doctors frequently prescribe to treat people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD , among other conditions.
Share on Pinterest Image credit: Getty Images. Side effects. Mild side effects. Serious side effects. Long-term effects. Interactions with Ritalin. When to see a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names Other names. If you are taking the long-acting suspension Quillivant XR , follow these steps to measure the dose: Remove the bottle of medication and dosing dispenser from the box.
Check to be sure that the bottle contains liquid medication. Call your pharmacist and do not use the medication if the bottle contains powder or if there is no dosing dispenser in the box.
Shake the bottle up and down for at least 10 seconds to mix the medication evenly. Remove the bottle cap. Check that the bottle adapter has been inserted into top of the bottle. If the bottle adapter has not been inserted into the top of the bottle, insert it by placing the bottom of the adapter into the opening of the bottle and pressing down firmly on it with your thumb. Call your pharmacist if the box does not contain a bottle adapter.
Do not remove the bottle adapter from the bottle once it is inserted. Insert the tip of the dosing dispenser into the bottle adapter and push the plunger all the way down. Turn the bottle upside down. Pull the plunger back to withdraw the amount of oral suspension prescribed by your doctor.
If you are not sure how to correctly measure the dose your doctor has prescribed, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Remove the dosing dispenser and slowly squirt the oral suspension directly into your mouth or your child's mouth. Replace the cap on the bottle and close tightly.
Clean the dosing dispenser after each use by placing it in the dishwasher or by rinsing with tap water. Other uses for this medicine. What special precautions should I follow? Before taking methylphenidate, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to methylphenidate, to any other medications, aspirin if taking Adhansia XR , tartrazine dye a yellow dye in some processed foods and medications; if taking Adhansia XR , or any of the ingredients in the methylphenidate product you are taking.
Ask your doctor or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take methylphenidate until at least 14 days have passed since you last took an MAO inhibitor.
Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants 'blood thinners' such as warfarin Coumadin, Jantoven ; antidepressants such as clomipramine Anafranil , desipramine Norpramin , and imipramine Tofranil ; decongestants cough and cold medications ; medications for heartburn or ulcers such as esomeprazole Nexium, in Vimovo , famotidine Pepcid , omeprazole Prilosec, in Zegerid , or pantoprazole Protonix ; medications for high blood pressure; medications for seizures such as phenobarbital, phenytoin Dilantin, Phenytek , and primidone Mysoline ; methyldopa; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs such as citalopram Celexa , escitalopram Lexapro , fluoxetine Prozac, Sarafem, in Symbyax, others , fluvoxamine Luvox , paroxetine Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva , and sertraline Zoloft ; sodium bicarbonate Arm and Hammer Baking Soda, Soda Mint ; and venlafaxine Effexor.
If you are taking Ritalin LA, also tell your doctor if you take antacids or medications for heartburn or ulcers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Also tell your doctor if you have glaucoma increased pressure in the eye that may cause vision loss , an overactive thyroid gland, or feelings of anxiety, tension, or agitation. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take methylphenidate if you have any of these conditions.
Also tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and if you have or have ever had a heart defect, high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, heart or blood vessel disease, hardening of the arteries, cardiomyopathy thickening of the heart muscle , or other heart problems.
Your doctor will probably tell you not to take methylphenidate if you have a heart condition or if there is a high risk that you may develop a heart condition. Also tell your doctor if you have or ever have had seizures, an abnormal electroencephalogram EEG; a test that measures electrical activity in the brain , circulation problems in your fingers or toes, or mental illness.
If you are taking the long-acting tablet Concerta , tell your doctor if you have a narrowing or blockage of your digestive system.
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