Ritalin is a drug that has as its active ingredient methylphenidate hydrochloride, a central nervous system stimulant, indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults, and narcolepsy.
This drug is an amphetamine, which works by stimulating mental activities and therefore, erroneously, has become popular among adults who want to study or stay awake longer, however, this use is not recommended and these effects are not proven., methylphenidate can cause dangerous side effects for those who use it without indication, such as nervousness, increased pressure, palpitations, muscle spasms, hallucinations or chemical dependence, for example.
- Ritalin can only be purchased by prescription.
- Being available free of charge at the SUS or in private pharmacies with a price ranging from 18 to 60 reais.
- Depending on the dose.
- Quantity and place where the drug is sold.
Ritalin has in its composition methylphenidate, which is a psychostimulant, this drug stimulates concentration and reduces drowsiness, so it is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults and also for the treatment of narcolepsy, which is characterized by the manifestation of symptoms of drowsiness during the day., episodes of inadequate sleep and sudden loss of voluntary muscle tone.
Ritalin is popular with students, who call this drug the famous intelligence pill to stimulate memory and concentration during the study period, however, this drug has never been shown to have this efficacy in healthy people.
In this way, the person may even spend the night of wakefulness studying, but the attention will not necessarily be better and may not remember the content the next day.
Therefore, Ritalin should not be used to improve memory and concentration as it can cause serious side effects. If you’re a student and need a remedy to stay awake longer with more memory and concentration, check out the safest remedies for memory.
The dose of Ritalin depends on the problem you want to treat
The dosage should be individualized according to the needs and clinical response of each person and also depends on age.
The recommended dose of Ritalin is:
The dose of Ritalin LA, which are modified release capsules, is as follows:
In adults, the maximum daily dose of 80 mg should not be exceeded and in children, with both Ritalin and Ritalin LA, the recommended daily dose of 60 mg should not be exceeded.
Only Ritalin is approved for the treatment of narcolepsy in adults.The average daily dose is 20 to 30 mg, administered in 2 to 3 fractional doses.
Some people may need 40 to 60 mg per day, while for others, 10 to 15 mg per day is sufficient.In people with difficulty sleeping, if the medicine is given at the end of the day, they should take the last dose before 6 hours.pm The maximum daily dose of 60 mg should not be exceeded.
The most common side effects that can be caused by treatment with Ritalin include nasopharyngitis, decreased appetite, abdominal discomfort, nausea, heartburn, nervousness, insomnia, fainting, pain and discomfort.headache, drowsiness, dizziness, changes in heart rate, fever, allergic reactions.and a decrease in appetite that can lead to weight loss or stunting in children.
In addition, because it is an amphetamine, methylphenidate can be addictive if used incorrectly.
Ritalin is contraindicated in people with hypersensitivity to methylphenidate or any excipient, people with anxiety, tension, restlessness, hyperthyroidism, pre-existing cardiovascular disorders, including severe hypertension, angina, occlusive arterial disease, heart failure, hemodynamic congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, myocardial, life-threatening arrhythmias and disorders caused by a dysfunctional ion.
It should also not be used during treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or at least 2 weeks after discontinuation of treatment, due to the risk of hypertensive seizures, of people with glaucoma, pheochromocytoma, diagnosis or family history of Tourette’s syndrome, pregnant women or lactate.