Ritalin
Product Name (Trade and Generic):
Ritalin, Ritalin-SR (sustained release), methylphenidate
History of Use with ADHD:
Ritalin has been in use for the treatment of ADHD since the early 1970's. It is the most widely prescribed and most commonly used prescription medication for the treatment of ADHD. This prescription drug and its effects have been studied in thousands of scientific and clinical studies. These studies show that 60 to 70 percent of children with ADHD, and a similar percentage of ADHD adults, demonstrate improved focus, attention span, and learning ability when the drug is in use.
Desired Physiological Effects:
Ritalin is believed to work by stimulating areas of the brain that are underperforming in their intended function. In order to function effectively, the brain sends messages back and forth to all parts of the body by way of chemical messengers, including
dopamine and serotonin. In ADHD patients, the area of the brain that manages the levels of brain chemicals is believed to be working improperly, resulting in sluggish brain efficiency. By taking stimulant medication, the underperforming area of the brain becomes activated to a proper level, and the patient begins to exhibit the desired attributes of calmness, focus, good impulse control, etc.
Ritalin is available in both a standard release formula (good for a few hours) and a sustained release formula (good for several hours).
Contraindications (When Drug Should Not be Used):
Ritalin should not be used when the following factors apply:
* When the patient suffers from significant anxiety, tension, depression or agitation;
* When heart conditions are present;
* When glaucoma is present;
* When there is a history of seizure disorder;
* When there is a family history or specific diagnosis of motor tics or Tourette's syndrome.
Common Side Effects:
See Page 2
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