Side Effects of Ritalin in Children
Ritalin is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in kids and adults, as well as narcolepsy. It's not known exactly how it works, but Ritalin is a stimulant of the central nervous system. Ritalin should be taken orally once a day, about a half hour before a meal. It may take up to 2 weeks before results of the medicine are noticed. The active ingredient in Ritalin, methylphenidate, is abused by some people, but abuse of it can lead to serious complications--including death.
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Neurological Side Effects
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Headaches, irritability, nervousness, lightheadedness and blurred vision are known side effects of Ritalin, but they are no cause for concern. However, if your child experiences uncontrolled movements, verbal tics similar to those of people with Tourette syndrome, mood or behavior changes, seizures, confusion or serious vision changes, be sure to inform your doctor because it could be a sign of a serious complication.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
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Some kids taking Ritalin experience mild stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, but these don't indicate a complication and are no cause for concern.
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Cardiac and Respiratory Side Effects
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If your child experiences heart palpitations, a fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain or shortness of breath, contact your doctor immediately. These could be a sign of a potentially serious complication that needs medical treatment.
Other Non-Serious Side Effects
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Some children taking Ritalin may notice difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, a dry mouth or constipation. These effects are no cause for concern, but they should be reported to your doctor if they become bothersome.
Other Serious Side Effects
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Other potentially serious side effects of Ritalin that should be immediately reported to your doctor include the following: easy or unusual bleeding or bruising; signs of an infection such as a fever or chronic sore throat; unexplained weight loss; difficulty urinating; pain in the jaw or left arm; weakness on one side of the body; and fainting or loss of consciousness.
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