Ritalin Long-Term Side Effects
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is prescribed to treat ADHD, ADD and narcolepsy. The drug is a stimulant. It is less powerful than amphetamines but more powerful than caffeine. Ritalin has a calming effect on the behavior of hyperactive children. Research performed by the National Institute of Mental Health has shown that the amount of Ritalin prescribed to treat ADHD does not cause an addiction to the drug. If abused, however, serious side effects can occur.
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How It Works
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Ritalin (methylphenidate) stimulates the central nervous system to greater activity. It activates the brain stem arousal system, "waking up" the cortex by interfering with the neurotransmitter dopamine, much like cocaine does. Withdrawing from the use of the drug should be done in increments, even when taking the drug in small doses. It is usually taken in pill form, about 30 minutes before a meal. The amount of dosage depends on the situation and size of the person being medicated.
Long-Term Side Effects
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There is serious debate as to whether there might be long-term side effects when using safe dosages of Ritalin, especially in the growing brains of children. (For long-term effects when abusing Ritalin, see Section 3.) Unfortunately, there have been no long-term clinical studies done on the effects of long-term Ritalin use. A small study done by the Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit (ACC 725) of Massachusetts General Hospital (sample size 124) found that children who took Ritalin before puberty ended up being slightly shorter than their counterparts who were on no medication. Some scientists are concerned that long-term use of Ritalin can increase the chances of developing a mental disorder later in life---a high percentage of adults who suffer from schizophrenia and bipolar disorders have a history of stimulant use as children.
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Long-Term Side Effects from Abuse
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Ritalin is a stimulant, and, as such, any abuse of the drug will create a predictable set of long-term side effects common to all stimulants, which include no appetite, muscle tremors, fevers, seizures, headaches that last for months or years, heart problems, mental disorders such as paranoia and the development of obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Short-Term Serious Side Effects
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Even when taking proper doses of Ritalin, serious side effects can occur, especially if there is an unknown allergy or previously undiagnosed condition. See a doctor immediately if your heart starts beating rapidly, if any part of your face swells, if you have trouble breathing, if you develop a rash, fever or sore throat, if you feel dizzy and faint or you start having hallucinations.
Common Short-Term Side Effects
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Many people suffer from common side effects when taking Ritalin. These include pain in the stomach with nausea or vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, a feeling of nervousness, sleep problems, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, sweating, vision problems and unexplained weight loss.
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