An Overview of Ritalin SR Uses
- Treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Treatment of narcolepsy.
ADHD is a condition involving difficulty paying attention, sitting still, and controlling behavior. With ADHD, these problems are worse than expected for a typical child of the same age. Usually, these symptoms must be present before the age of seven to qualify as ADHD. The symptoms must also affect school, work, or social life in a negative way
(see ADHD and School and Relationships and ADHD for more information).
Although ADHD is generally thought of as a problem in children, teenagers and adults can also have it. The process used to diagnose ADHD in adults is different from that used to diagnose it in children. However,
Ritalin SR is not approved for
adult ADHD (see
Ritalin SR for Adults).
Any behavioral change involves a well-balanced ADHD treatment plan, including social, educational, and mental therapy
(see Behavior Therapy for ADHD). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in changing behavior, ADHD medications (such as Ritalin SR) may be necessary.
Although Ritalin SR is a stimulant, it can have effects that are opposite from what would be expected of a stimulant. While stimulants (like caffeine) can cause hyperactivity, when used at doses for ADHD treatment, Ritalin SR usually has a calming effect. It is not known exactly how the medication achieves this, but it is known that it affects certain chemicals in the brain
(see Methylphenidate and D2 Receptors for more information).
