Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

Ritalin

 

            Ritalin is a mild central nervous system stimulant that triggers the brain stem .
             arousal system and the cerebral cortex. It increases the norepinephrine and the dopamine .
             at the central nervous system synapses. Ritalin blocks the reuptake of dopamine. It is .
             similar chemically and pharmacologically to the amphetamines. The generic name for .
             Ritalin is methylphenidate. It is currently used for the treatment of Attention Deficit .
             Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, narcolepsy, with mild depression in .
             the elderly and cancer patients, and to increase the action of antidepressant medication in .
             treatment resistant depression. Recently, Ritalin has been used experimentally with stroke .
             patients (Wright, 1997).
             A normal dose of methylphenidate is between fifteen and thirty milligrams per .
             day in divided doses. The drug takes effect in half an hour to one hour; it's effects last .
             four to six hours with the regular tablets and up to eight hours with the extended release .
             tablets. On-going research is confirming if the slow release or the original Ritalin is better .
             at controlling symptoms. Ritalin must be taken on a very precise schedule to receive .
             maximum benefits. Metabolism occurs in the liver and excretion occurs in the kidneys. .
             Almost ninety-five percent of a dose can be recovered as metabolites in the urine within .
             ninety hours. Noven Pharmaceuticals is developing a transdermal patch that releases a .
             therapeutic dose of methylphenidate for up to twenty- four hours. Ritalin is not .
             recommended for use during pregnancy; it is unknown if it passes through breast milk .
             (Wright, 1997).
             The benefits of Ritalin are it controls distractibility, increases social skills, .
             emotional state and behavior, allows the clients to concentrate, organize their thoughts, .
             increases motor control, and allows them to pay attention. Ritalin has been used since the .
             1950's to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; approximately ninety percent of .


Essays Related to Ritalin