Ritalin, the brand name for methylphenidate hydrochloride, is a prescription drug used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. This medication is a central nervous system stimulant, which consequently is effective in treating narcolepsy, a sleep disorder in which a person is unable to remain awake, and can fall asleep at any moment. A black box warning advises that patients who have a history of drug abuse or alcoholism should speak to their doctors, as abusing Ritalin can result in drug dependency. Ritalin has several common side effects of which a patient should be aware if considering it for treatment.
Stomach Upset
Stomach problems occur frequently at the start of a new drug therapy and Ritalin is no exception. According to Drugs.com, a patient may experience some nausea, which may or may not lead to vomiting; mild stomach discomfort or abdominal pain may also occur. Such upset stomach symptoms can lead to a loss of appetite that may result in minor weight reduction, but this is not considered to be serious. Such commonly observed adverse effects are usually mild and temporary, and tend to resolve on their own as the body adjusts to the medication. However, notify the prescribing physician if these symptoms persist or become worrisome.
Nervousness and Insomnia
Ritalin, being a central nervous system stimulant, frequently makes one feel more nervous or jittery than usual with an increased feeling of anxiety. Changes in mood, such as feeling down or depressed may manifest, as well as an increase in irritability, which is atypical for the patient. It is likely that the physician will need to make adjustments in the dosage in such cases. A related adverse reaction associated with this stimulant is insomnia. This reaction frequently can produce a sense of excessive fatigue or weakness during the day, which can make it hard to perform tasks at school or work. Norvartis.com, suggests that having the doctor reduce the dosage, or not taking the medication in the late afternoon or evening may alleviate this effect.
Dizziness and Drowsiness
At the beginning of this drug regimen, as stated by eMedTV.com, patients frequently report drowsiness, lightheadedness or dizziness. Because these side effects can cause instability or clumsiness when walking, it is recommended that one exercise caution when moving throughout the day, as well as being careful when operating vehicles or machinery, until the extent of the drug effects are known. Lying down periodically may help reduce these effects. However, if these symptoms do not subside and cause problems with activities of daily living, contact the physician.
Headaches and Arrhythmias
Some individuals on this medication, according to Novartis.com, report having headaches and palpitations. Specifically, cardiac arrhythmias such as tachycardia may occur, as well as noticeable pulse or blood pressure changes, which are uncommon for the individual patient. If these symptoms persist or become severe, notify the physician immediately so that these effects can be evaluated and drug adjustments made.
