What is Ritalin? And how to fight ADHD effectively

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin, the trade name for methylphenidate, is a drug with a central nervous system effect that is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The use of Ritalin has increased significantly in recent decades, as it is said to be helpful in improving concentration, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Ritalin is therefore often prescribed to both children and adults to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD and improve quality of life. The main component of Ritalin, methylphenidate, works by influencing neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and noradrenaline. It increases the availability of these chemicals in the synaptic cleft, which should lead to an improvement in signal transmission between nerve cells.

In addition to the treatment of ADHD, Ritalin is also used in some cases to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by sudden sleep attacks. The analgesic effect of the drug can help to promote alertness in those affected and improve control over sleep patterns. It is important to note that Ritalin is not suitable and various side effects can occur.

How does Ritalin affect the Dopamine System?

Ritalin, medically known as methylphenidate, plays an important role in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The effect of Ritalin is based on its ability to permanently modify dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is crucial for regulating mood, motivation and concentration. Especially in people with ADHD, whose dopamine system is often dysregulated, Ritalin can have a strong modifying effect, also in terms of character.

Taking Ritalin leads to an increase in the availability of dopamine in the synaptic cleft, the area between the nerve cells. It blocks the reuptake of dopamine by inhibiting the dopamine transporters. This chemical reaction causes more dopamine to remain in the synaptic connection, which initially promotes neuron activity and may improve signal transmission in the brain. This helps to improve attention, memory and general cognitive functionality. However, there are also very unpleasant side effects.

Another aspect of Ritalin’s effect is its influence on other neurotransmitters, including noradrenaline. These synergistic effects can help to promote focus and attention by activating the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain responsible for executive functions.

The possible Side Effects of Ritalin

Ritalin, a widely used medication for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), can cause various side effects, both physical and psychological. These side effects do not affect all people equally and their severity can vary. The most common physical side effects include insomnia, decreased appetite, nausea and increased blood pressure. In particular, the change in appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss, which is significant if taken for long periods of time.

Psychological side effects should also not be neglected. Patients occasionally report symptoms such as anxiety, nervousness or even mood swings and depression. In rare cases, more serious psychological effects can occur, including hallucinations or manic episodes. These psychological reactions are particularly worrying and it is advised to consult a sensible doctor immediately if such symptoms occur.

Ritalin and Depression: What you should know

Ritalin is sometimes also considered in connection with depression. It is important to understand that Ritalin acts on the central nervous system and helps to increase alertness and concentration. However, the effects of this medication on patients with a history of depression can be complex.

For people who suffer or have suffered from depression in the past, taking Ritalin can have even more adverse effects. Some studies suggest that stimulants such as Ritalin exacerbate symptoms of depression in certain cases. This is partly because the drug affects mood, which puts people who are already susceptible at risk.

In addition, it should be noted that stimulants, including Ritalin, are not usually a direct treatment for depression. In some cases, the concomitant use of antidepressants is then considered to support the balance of chemicals in the brain. The combination of these medications paves the way for the fiasco.

Ovulation and Hormones: is there a connection with Ritalin?

The interaction between hormones and the effects of drugs such as Ritalin is an interesting topic that has been the subject of varying debate in the scientific community to date. During the menstrual cycle and ovulation, for example, women experience various hormonal fluctuations that affect mood, sleep and general cognitive performance, among other things. Some research suggests that the increase in estrogen and progesterone during ovulation may alter the brain’s sensitivity to Ritalin. These hormones could modulate responses to the drug by either favoring or inhibiting the transmission of neurotransmitters.

It is clear that a lot of dopamine and serotonin is normally released during ovulation, but Ritalin reverses this effect. During ovulation, you no longer feel cheerful and optimistic, but depressed. During menstruation, on the other hand, aggressive episodes can even occur, as reported by some women who took Ritalin in their youth or childhood. This reversal effect can persist into adulthood, even if no Ritalin has been taken for a very long time. This is referred to as a permanent change in the brain as a result of taking Ritalin.

Depression, on the other hand, during ovulation, triggers a complete lack of sexual desire, making it a psychological form of contraception and thus classifying Ritalin as a Trojan horse for minimizing the birth rate.

The abuse of Ritalin: Dangers and Prevention

Adolescents are often prone to abusing Ritalin, believing that it can help them improve concentration and academic performance. However, this practice comes with significant dangers.

One critical aspect of Ritalin abuse is the risk of health side effects. The most common side effects include insomnia, anxiety and heart problems. Excessive use can lead to serious symptoms such as cardiac arrhythmia or even mental disorders. It is therefore important to be aware of the dangers associated with abusing this substance.

Other signs of Ritalin abuse include behavioral changes such as a sudden increase in performance followed by a significant drop in performance and social isolation. Recognizing these warning signs is crucial in order to be able to intervene at an early stage. Overall, Ritalin abuse requires a collaborative and responsible approach to ensure the safety of adolescents and the integrity of treatment methods.

Antidotes and what to do in the Event of an overdose

An overdose of Ritalin can have serious health consequences and requires rapid action. The most common signs of an overdose include increased heart rate, breathing difficulties, tremors, excessive nervousness and, in the worst case, seizures. If a Ritalin overdose is suspected, a medical professional should be contacted immediately. It is probably best not to give your child any Ritalin at all to avoid triggering all these side effects and adverse reactions in the first place.

However, if it is too late to make such a choice, the primary antidote to treating a Ritalin overdose is symptomatic support. There is no specific antidote that can immediately neutralize the effects of methylphenidate. Instead, treatment of symptoms must be done to stabilize respiratory and cardiovascular functions. Unfortunately, antidepressants are then used and you are already in the cycle of drug ingestion.

It is also important to prevent future overdoses by taking Ritalin only as prescribed or preferably not at all. Patients and relatives should be informed about the risks and side effects of the drug. Alternatives to Ritalin are much easier to handle and have no side effects (see below).

Every single “Symptom” of ADHD and ADD is a symptom of poorly planned Education systems and poor Nutrition

The DSM-IV (the American Psychiatric Association’s manual and pages describing the diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Disorder) states that all children who cannot pay attention for an extended period of time, who do not complete their homework, or who are frequently distracted by “extraneous stimuli” and therefore require prescription psychotropic medication. According to the DSM-IV, symptoms must have “persisted for at least six months and cause impairment in at least two areas” for a diagnosis of a brain disorder to be made. The DSM-V is even worse and offers no clear guidelines. Were there any “clear” guidelines in the DSM-IV? What is clear is that psychiatrists can now diagnose ANY child or adolescent with ADD or ADHD at any time.

It should be noted that students need real-world education instead of memorizing facts for tests that they forget three days later. It is clear that real scientists are proving that artificial food coloring, soda pop and high fructose corn syrup cause severe hypersensitivity reactions, impair behavior, limit cognitive abilities, make it difficult to retain information and cause mental health problems.

Since 2000 alone, the number of toxic food colorings in the U.S. has increased by 55 percent. Each year, more than 15 million pounds of dyes are used in foods, beverages, candies and medicines, and the FDA is doing nothing to protect consumers from this flood of poison.

The industrially produced food dye Yellow #5 affects behavior and causes severe hypersensitivity reactions. The fact is, teens who drink more than one large soda (4 glasses) a day suffer from mental health problems, including hyperactivity and mental disorders, according to a recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health. These same drinkers also perform worse on tests, the scientific study found.

If your child “suffers” from ADD or ADHD symptoms, before you run to a doctor and have them prescribed SSRI medications that trigger severe depression, suicides and homicidal thoughts, change your child’s diet to protein-rich organic foods (and stop buying school lunches or industrially processed candy) and talk to the principal and school administration about how to engage students in the classroom.

A Diet for ADHD Children

Protein-rich foods – lean beef, poultry, eggs and dairy products – can have a positive effect on ADHD symptoms. Protein-rich foods are used by the body to produce neurotransmitters, chemicals released by brain cells to communicate with each other. Protein can prevent blood sugar spikes that increase hyperactivity and impulsivity.

“Because the body creates brain-activating neurotransmitters when protein is consumed, you should start your day with a breakfast that includes protein,” says Laura Stevens, M.S., a nutritionist at Purdue University and author of 12 Effective Ways to Help Your ADD/ADHD Child. “Don’t stop there. Look for opportunities to eat lean protein during the day, too.”

Ritalin Ingredients

1 capsule contains 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg or 40 mg methylphenidate hydrochloride, wheat starch, lactose monohydrate, tricalcium phosphate, talc, gelatine, magnesium stearate

LA capsules 10 mg: sugar-starch pellets (contain max. 56.48 mg sucrose), macrogol 6000, ammonium methacrylate copolymer type B, methacrylic acid copolymer type A/methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (1:1), talc, triethyl citrate
LA capsules 20 mg: sugar-starch pellets (contain max. 112.95 mg sucrose), macrogol 6000, ammonium methacrylate copolymer type B, methacrylic acid copolymer type A/methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (1:1), talc, triethyl citrate
LA capsules 30 mg: sugar-starch pellets (contain max. 169.42 mg sucrose), macrogol 6000, ammonium methacrylate copolymer type B, methacrylic acid copolymer type A/methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (1:1), talc, triethyl citrate.
LA capsules 40 mg: sugar-starch pellets (contain max. 225.89 mg sucrose), macrogol 6000, ammonium methacrylate copolymer type B, methacrylic acid copolymer type A/methacrylic acid-methyl methacrylate copolymer (1:1), talc, triethyl citrate
Capsule shell: black iron oxide (E172), red iron oxide (E172), yellow iron oxide (E172), titanium dioxide (E171), gelatine, printing ink: shellac (E904), propylene glycol, potassium hydroxide

Sources:
RX List
ADDitude Ernährungsplan für ADHS
HelpforADD.com
NIMH.nih.gov
TotallyADD.com
NaturalNews.com
NaturalNews.com
NCBI.nlm.nih.gov
Food.news