Ritalin (methylphenidate) is the common stimulant that prescribed by doctors for the sufferers of ADD, ADHD and people who have narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). Using Ritalin in treating ADHD requires a great care. Using the wrong dose in wrong condition can cause severe effects, even death.
Side effects of Ritalin
Ritalin
Using Ritalin can cause:
- Dependent on the drug
- Addiction
- Stomach pain
- Fast, uneven heartbeat
- aggression, restlessness
- Anxiety
Ritalin (as well as other stimulants) can cause death in children and adult if the sufferers have cardiovascular problems. With that said, it is highly recommended that a person should consult his or her doctor before using Ritalin or any other stimulant on himself/herself or his/her kids.
Besides the strong caution for people with serious heart problems, it is prohibited for people who have used Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) within 14 days. Please tell your doctor the list of drugs you have used in the last 14 days before taking Ritalin. You can find out more about MAO inhibitor list here
While Ritalin is effective in reduce the hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention, if the sufferers are allergic with methylphenidate, they must not take this drug.
You are also not allowed to take Ritalin if you have these health problems:
- glaucoma
- overactive thyroid
- severe high blood pressure
- angina (chest pain), heart failure, heart rhythm disorder, or recent heart attack
- a personal or family history of tics (muscle twitches) or Tourette’s syndrome
- severe anxiety, tension, or agitation (methylphenidate can make these symptoms worse)
- a hereditary condition such as fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.
The final notice is for pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding. It is highly recommended that you consult your doctor if you are planning to have a baby, in pregnancy or breastfeeding. There is no evidence of the drug can harm the unborn kids/kids but don’t use Ritalin without telling the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.
For more information about Ritalin usage and cautions, please check out this webpage.