Ritalin SR - What is it?
Ritalin SR, active ingredient methylphenidate extended-release, is a medication that is available only by prescription. It is used for the treatment of ADHD in children and for the treatment of narcolepsy. Since it is a stimulant and is often abused, there are specific guidelines regarding the prescribing and distribution of this medication.
Who Manufactures It?
Ritalin SR is made by a company called Novartis Pharmaceuticals. The generic forms of this medication are made by many different companies.
Ritalin SR Uses
As previously mentioned Ritalin SR has been licensed for the treatment of ADHD. For those with this condition, trouble staying still is just one symptom. Trouble paying attention, controlling certain behaviors and focusing are also common symptoms. Most of the time, ADHD is considered a childhood issue, but it can also be found in adults. Ritalin SR has not been approved for treatment of ADHD in adults.
This drug has also been licensed to treat narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a condition that causes people to uncontrollably fall asleep at odd times. Those who have this condition will often look like they are paralyzed while sleeping and often notice that they have hallucinations at the time of falling asleep. Those who have narcolepsy will often fall asleep many times throughout the day.
How it works
Although it is a stimulant, Ritalin SR has the opposite in those who have ADHD. Common stimulants such as caffeine tend to cause a person to feel hyper, but Ritalin SR tends to calm when administered in doses to treat ADHD. How this happens is not clear, but studies have shown that it works with the brain chemicals.
For those who have narcolepsy, this medication is a stimulant that helps patients to stay awake and be alert throughout the day.
Potential side effects
As is the case with all medications, it is possible to have side effects while taking Ritalin SR. Not everyone that takes this medication will notice side effects as it is generally well tolerated. When side effects are noticed, they are usually minor and require little or no treatment.
Generic Forms of Ritalin SR
At this time, there is both brand name and generic Ritalin SR available for sale.