ADHD Treatment: Ritalin Side Effects

Ritalin is a drug commonly prescribed many doctors to treat
patients with ADHD symptoms. However, Ritalin has also been
used illegally for many years and it has been proven to be
addictive and harmful to some extent.

Whilst the drug can help to manage ADHD symptoms, it is not
without side effects. There are serious and common side
effects associated with the use of Ritalin. The most
serious complaints seem to be quickening of the heart rate
and mood changes. Some children tend to experience worse
moods when they take the drug and that can lead to more
aggressive behaviour than usual. However, more worryingly
is the fact that the drug can cause changes in the blood
glucose level. This is obviously more serious for those who
have diabetes, but it can also cause serious health
problems if it goes unnoticed.

Another potential serious side effect could be tics. This
is where the child will move suddenly for no apparent
reason. It could be their arm that moves, or their head.
Either way, tics can be worrying and it is important to
take your child to the doctor straight away if you do
notice anything strange. Less common side effects include
headaches and insomnia. You should be on the lookout for
any ill effects whilst your child is on Ritalin.

The above are just a few of the side effects experienced by
some children who take Ritalin. However, they seem to be
mainly down to physicians not giving the correct doses. It
is also important that you do not give the next dose of
medication to your child if you suspect that the medication
is doing them harm. It is much better to consult with the
doctor so he can prescribe a lower dosage or alternative
ADHD medications.

The main concern which many parents have over Ritalin is
the likelihood of it causing permanent damage to their
child. A recent study conducted by Weill Cornell Medical
College in New York City looked into the effects that
Ritalin has on the developing brain. The study was
conducted using rats to test the effects of Ritalin. It was
found that Ritalin caused brain alterations, but these
gradually disappeared 3 months after the rats stopped
taking the drug. Since the study was only conducted for a
short period, the long term effects of Ritalin are still
unknown. Dr. Teresa Milner, professor of neuroscience at
Weill Cornell Medical College, warns of the possibility
that the drug could cause permanent changes to brain
chemistry and behaviour if taken for long periods of time.
Ritalin is best used in the short term supplemented with
behavioural therapy.

Of course more studies need to be done and parents do have
a right to be concerned as even the FDA has directed the
manufacturers of Ritalin and other ADHD drugs to provide a
Patient Medication Guide that fully warns patients about
their potential dangers of psychiatric and cardiovascular
reactions.

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The side effects of Ritalin and other ADHD drug medications
can be serious and unpleasant. The long term implications
of taking any ADHD medication remain a great concern for
many parents. Check out the all natural and drug free
treatments for ADHD at
http://www.guidetoadhd.com/prd-ritalin