How Does Ritalin Work?
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Ritalin Absorbed by the Body
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Most people suffering from attention deficit disorder, or ADD, take Ritalin orally in the form of capsules or tablets that they swallow first thing in the morning. One form of Ritalin releases immediately into the body and usually begins working within one hour of taking an effective dose. The effect of the medicine normally lasts for three to four hours, depending on a person's metabolism. The dose usually needs to be repeated a couple of times throughout the day for lasting coverage. The time-release form is taken once a day and can take up to two hours to show therapeutic benefit. Once the body begins absorbing the medicine, control over ADD or narcolepsy symptoms can last up to 12 hours.
Ritalin Affects the Central Nervous System
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The neurons in the brain of a person who suffers from ADD may be working out of balance, causing short attention spans combined with high levels of activity. Ritalin is a stimulant and therefore speeds up mental as well as physical processes. It does this by stimulating the underactive neurons in the brain so they work harder, which allows the person to focus and pay attention. Ritalin also stimulates the release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. This chemical is one of the messengers in the brain that helps one side of the brain communicate with the other. The function and activity of the central nervous system reacts to the influences of dopamine.
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Ritalin Improves Performance and Relationships
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Treatment of ADD with Ritalin or one of its variations works best when combined with behavioral interventions and lifestyle modifications, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ritalin enhances task-specific dopamine signals to improve attention span, decrease distractibility and reduce restlessness and fidgeting. Those with ADD who take Ritalin see improved handwriting skills, better control of emotions and more focus in schoolwork. Once these abilities improve, the child's self-esteem increases due to better grades and less criticism. Of course, once the child stops getting into constant trouble, relationships with parents, family members and friends improve as well.
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