1/ ππ§ͺπ¨βπ¬ #Methylphenidate was first synthesized by the chemist Leandro Panizzon in the 1940s. It wasn't until the 1950s that its therapeutic potential was recognized, and it was later introduced as a medication under the brand name #Ritalin.
2/ π΄ππ In the early days, methylphenidate was primarily used to treat depression and fatigue. However, its stimulant properties were soon recognized as helpful for treating ADHD and narcolepsy.
3/ π§ π Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine & norepinephrine, which increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. This leads to πΌ activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in executive functioning, attention, & decision-making.
4/ ππ₯π€ Ritalin is often compared to the other stimulant for ADHD, Adderall, with both having similar efficacy and similar adverse effects; however, one group of people tend to do better with one family of medication than the other for reasons that are not fully known.
5/ ππ΄π€’ The most common adverse effects of methylphenidate include appetite suppression, insomnia, and anxiety. Some people may also experience gastrointestinal issues or changes in blood pressure or heart rate. In some, irritability and aggression can actually worsen.
6/ πππ There are several different formulations of methylphenidate available, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules, liquid formulations, chewable tablets, and even transdermal patches. Each formulation has its own pros and cons.
7/ π¦πΏπ§πΏπ§πΏ In the 1970s and 1980s, there was a sharp increase in the number of Black children diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed Ritalin. Some critics argued that this was due to racial biases within the healthcare system, which may have led to over-diagnosis and over-treatment.
8/ π¨πΌβπ«π¨πΎβπ«π« Others argued that Ritalin was being used as a way to control and discipline Black children in schools, rather than as a legitimate medical treatment. This led to concerns about the overuse of the medication and its potential long-term effects.
9/ ππ§πΌπ The landmark Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA) conducted in 1990s compared the effectiveness of medication, behavioral therapy, &a combination of the two utilized Ritalin and helped shape our understanding of the most effective treatments for ADHD.
π¬π€π What are your thoughts or personal experiences with methylphenidate and its use in treating ADHD and other conditions? Have you experienced any of the side effects or controversies associated with this medication?
ππ¨ββοΈπ Follow along for more #MedMondaysπ!
β’ β’ β’
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
1/ #Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that has been around for thousands of years. It was originally used by indigenous people in South America for religious & medicinal purposes, and was later introduced to Europe and the US in the late 19th century.
2/ Cocaine works by increasing levels of #dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates pleasure and reward, by blocking its reuptake leading to an accumulation in the synpatic cleft. This leads to feelings of euphoria, increased energy and alertness, and decreased appetite.
3/ Serotonin and norepinehphrine reuptake are also inhibited, leading to increases in those neurotransmitters as well. Sodium channels are also blocked, slowing down the action potentials, thus leading to its medical use as a local anesthetic.
1/ The concept of "hysteria" has a long and troubled history in psychiatry. It dates back to ancient Greece and was initially used to describe a wide range of physical and mental symptoms in women.
2/ "Hysteria" comes from the Greek word "hystera," meaning uterus, reflecting the historical belief that women's mental & physical symptoms were related to the uterus and its movements. This belief led to the notion that women's symptoms could be "cured" by removing the uterus.
3/ Over the centuries, the diagnosis of hysteria was used to blame women for their own suffering and pathologize normal emotions and behaviors. This led to a widespread belief that women were inherently unstable and prone to mental illness.
1/ Adderall is a stimulant medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy; it works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine.
2/ Common side effects of Adderall include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and stomach problems. More serious adverse effects include heart problems, anxiety, mood swings or changes, and potential for dependence.
3/ Adderall is available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations, and it can be taken orally in tablet or capsule form, as well as some liquid formulations and oral disentegrating tablets (ODT): Adzenys, Dyanavel, Mydayis, and Vyvanse are all essentially Adderall.
1/ #Xylazine is a sedative and analgesic drug that is commonly used in veterinary medicine to sedate and immobilize animals. It is also used as an anesthetic in laboratory animals and as a tranquilizer in horse racing.
2/ Xylazine is a Schedule III controlled substance under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances, meaning that it has a potential for abuse and dependence, and it should be used under strict medical supervision. One of its nicknames is "#tranq".
3/ Unfortunately, Xylazine is being used to contaminate the drug supply, and it is being sold as a street drug. This is a dangerous practice as Xylazine can cause serious side effects, including respiratory and cardiovascular depression, and even death in high doses.