Evidence Base Practice/ Literature Review - Essay Example

Literature Review: Ritalin The stimulant medications enhance the release or block the re-absorption of the two brain neurotransmitters, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This enhances the transmission amid certain neurons. Every stimulant has these effects to some extent in different ways. Therefore, each may have different or similar effects on the ADHD symptoms of an individual. A recent research establishes that methylphenidate (Ritalin) elevates serotonin levels and that this might account for some of its calming effects (Svetlov, Kobeissy, & Gold, 2007).

Use of stimulants medication in psychiatry is generally referred to methylphenidate (Ritalin) methamphetamine, amphetamine, and pemoline. Ritalin and amphetamine are by far the commonly prescribed. There have been several researches showing the effectiveness of stimulants in adults, adolescents, and children. Normally, stimulants effectively reduce inattention, overactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity in 75% of people with AD/HD (Monastra, Monastra, & George, 2002). Ritalin, mild central nervous system stimulant is a drug available as tablets of 20, 10, and 5 mg for oral administration.

A sustained release tablet of 20mg is as well available for oral administration.Successful treatment of ADHD can minimize the economic and psychosocial burden related to the disease. Management of the disease usually entails a combination of lifestyle changes, behavior modification, and counseling along with medication. Stimulants, like methylphenidate and amphetamine, are choice treatment alternatives for most patients with ADHD (Svetlov, Kobeissy, & Gold, 2007). Ritalin is indicated as an important part of a holistic treatment program which usually includes other measures (educational, psychological, social) for a stabilizing effect in children with ADHD as well as co-morbid disorders which presents with; short attention span, moderate-to-severe distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity and emotional lability (Monastra, Monastra, & George, 2002).

Agitation, tension, and marked anxiety are contraindications to Ritalin because the drug may worsen these symptoms. Additionally, Ritalin is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, patients who are hypersensitive to the drug, as well as in patients with motor tics or with a familial diagnosis or history of Tourette’s syndrome (Monastra, Monastra, & George, 2002). Ritalin is contraindicated during use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, as well as within 14 days after discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor since hypertensive crises may result.

Study has shown that Ritalin does not have an effect on the final height of an adult who used the drug in their childhood. This study authenticates research from as on the growth of children taking Ritalin as well as other drugs used in the management of ADHD. Another study in 1988 also found that Ritalin does not compromise final adult height (Svetlov, Kobeissy, & Gold, 2007).Ritalin has some side effects that may go away during treatment as the body adjusts to the drug. Loss of appetite, tachycardia, hypertension, amnesia, and nervousness are the more common side effects.

The less common side effects are nausea, chest pain, fever, drowsiness, and headache. Rarely, blurred vision, tics, and uncontrolled vocal outbursts may occur. With high doses or long term use, weight loss and mood changes may result. In cases of overdose, convulsions, dryness of mucous membrane, agitation, tremors, increased sweating may result (Monastra, Monastra, & George, 2002).Tips for giving Ritalin to children:The drug should be started on the weekend so as to see how the child reacts to the drug.

A low dose of Ritalin is usually administered at first. This dose is then increased until the childs behavior is regulated. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage schedule and watch for changes in behavior. Moreover, it is better to administer the drug after meals rather than before so that it does not interfere with the appetite of the child, as well as weight gain (Monastra, Monastra, & George, 2002).ReferencesMonastra, V. J., Monastra, D. M., & George, S. (2002). The Effects of Stimulant Therapy, EEG Biofeedback, and Parenting Style on the Primary Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder1.

Svetlov, S. I., Kobeissy, F. H., & Gold, M. S. (2007). Performance Enhancing, Non-Prescription Use of Ritalin. Journal of Addictive Diseases. doi:10.1300/J069v26n04_01