Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a disorder where individuals struggle to concentrate, focus and control behavior. Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is a stimulant medication used to treat the symptoms of ADHD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 56.3 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD take medication to treat their symptoms. The National Resource Center on ADHD reports that 70 to 80 percent of children see symptom improvement when taking stimulant medications like Ritalin.
ADHD
ADHD is a disorder commonly diagnosed in early childhood where individuals demonstrate difficulty in sustaining attention and/or controlling hyperactive and impulsive behavior. As reported by the National Institute of Mental Health, children with inattentive symptoms may have trouble focusing, be forgetful and distracted, lose things, be disorganized, not listen when spoken to and have difficulty following instructions. Children with hyperactive or impulsive symptoms may be always moving, have difficulty sitting quietly, talk constantly, act without thinking, be unable to wait for their turn and seem impatient.
Ritalin
Ritalin is a methylphenidate, a type of stimulant drug used to treat ADHD. It helps minimize the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that occur in persons with ADHD. It can help improve an individual’s ability to focus, organize and control behavior. According to the National Resource Center for ADHD, Ritalin is classified as a “federally controlled substance” by the government because of the increased risk of abuse and dependence on the drug.
Forms of Ritalin
The original short-acting form of Ritalin begins working quickly, within 15 to 20 minutes, but is effective for only four hours. According to the National Resource Center for ADHD, this medication may work best when administered three times a day. Dosage may vary according to the needs of the individual. Ritalin LA is a longer acting form of the drug that releases half of its medication upon ingestion, and the other half after four hours. It is active in the body for a total of eight hours. Ritalin SR is the extended release form of the drug. This drug releases half of its medication approximately one hour after it is taken, and the rest three and a half hours later. It is intended to remain effective for six to eight hours. The purpose of longer acting forms is to allow children to manage an entire school day or adults an entire workday without needing to take more medication.
Potential Side Effects
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, potential side effects of Ritalin may include dizzy spells, reduced appetite, headache, nausea, stomachache and difficulty sleeping. Other risks include diminished growth, changes in vision and seizures. The National Resource Center on ADHD also reports that individuals may experience a “rebound effect,” with feelings of anger or irritation after the medicine stops working.
Serious Risks
More serious concerns when taking any of the forms of Ritalin have been noted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These may include a risk of heart problems and increased blood pressure in persons already at risk for cardiac complications. An increase in psychiatric problems, including mood or aggressive symptoms in all persons, and paranoia or hearing voices in children and adolescents, may also occur.
References
- National Resource Center on ADHD: Managing Medication for Children and Adolescents with ADHD
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Medication Guide: Ritalin LA
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prevalence of Diagnosis and Medication Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder---United States, 2003
- National Institute of Mental Health: What are the symptoms of ADHD in children?
