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Administration and dosage of the many forms of Ritalin |
adhd - Drugs for ADHD
| Article Index |
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| Common Side Effects |
| Serious Side Effects: |
| Counter indications: |
| Drug Interactions |
ritalin "works" on children in the same way that related stimulants like Cocaine work on adults — sharpening the short-term attention span when the drug kicks in and producing equally predictable valleys ("coming down," in street parlance; "rebounding," in Ritalinese) when the effect wears off. It is often referred to as "Kiddie Cocaine." The longer acting versions reduce the rebounding.
Just as predictably, children are subject to the same adverse effects as adults imbibing such drugs, with the two most common being appetite suppression and insomnia. Other side effects are reduced stature, ticks, "zombie" demeanor, stomach aches, moodiness and function
Methylphenidate (concerta, metadate CD, metadate ER, Methylin, Methylin ER, ritalin, Ritalin LA, Ritalin-SR) treatment of ADHD
Many manufacturers market methylphenidate for treatment of ADHD under their own brand names (concerta, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Methylin ER, Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Ritalin-SR). The only difference in them is how long they last. In general, longer acting ones are preferred. They all have the same theraputic and side effects as the most widely known version, Ritalin. Thus, I will discuss the various forms of methylphenidate as a group.
Long-term use has also been linked to abnormalities in brain development similar to those found with Cocaine. In one study, 9% of children taking Ritalin developed psychotic symptoms.
Common side effects of headache and stomachache can be reduced by taking the medication after a meal
Short-acting form of Methylphenindate start working about half and hour and peaks at 2 hours and is gone at 4 hours. It must be taken several times daily. The longer acting forms last 6 to 8 hours. For instance, Ritalin sustained release tablets last about 8 hours. They must be swallowed whole and never crushed or chewed.
This medication is best taken 30 to 45 minutes before a meal or take as directed by your doctor.
Daily dosage above 60 mg is not recommended. No version of methylphenide should be given to children under 6 years, because safety and efficacy has not been demonstrated for his age.
Common Side Effects
Loss of appetite, blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, stomach upset, sleeplessness, irritability or constipation.
Serious Side Effects:
Weight loss, chest pain, nervousness, pounding heart, difficulty urinating, mood changes, or yellowing eyes and skin; or symptoms of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you experience these, seek medical attention.
Counter indications:
Seizures, tics, Tourette's syndrome, glaucoma, high blood pressure, anxiety, alcoholism, drug dependence
Drug Interactions
Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) and medications for seizures, depression (tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline) or high blood pressure medications such as guanethidine.
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