5 Things You Need to Know About the Health Effects of Ritalin

1. What is Ritalin?

Ritalin is actually a stimulant to the central nervous system. Its generic name is methylphenidate. One theory on the way it works indicates that it stimulates the release of dopamine, used to transfer messages from neurons to cells and help improve focus.

2. Who Gets It?

Doctors frequently prescribe Ritalin to hyperactive and ADHD children. It's ironic that it slows them down and increases focus when it is a stimulant whose effect is similar to that of caffeine. In addition to this beneficial use, dangerous use of unprescribed Ritalin for weight loss or a lethal energy boost is an often occurrence.

3. Side Effects of Ritalin

Besides the normal side effects that occur with an allergic reaction, Ritalin can cause nausea and dizziness, headaches, anorexia, changes in the blood pressure and pulse rate, loss of appetite, tachycardia chest pain, arrhythmia and palpitations. Weight loss is a problem and so is a potential for damage to the blood vessels. There are more side effects affiliated with the drug and all other stimulants--some quite serious--but they occur infrequently. The biggest reported problem is insomnia and nervousness. Never take Ritalin with antidepressants, such as popular monoamine oxidase inhibitors Nardil and Parnate. Clear the system of antidepressant drugs at least two weeks before you take Ritalin.

4. Addictive and Dangerous

Ritalin is an addictive drug, so you cannot simply stop the doses, but must wean yourself from the drug. This is primarily for patients who take Ritalin for a long time at ever-increasing doses. People with anxiety disorders, glaucoma, a family history of Tourette's, or those with tics and involuntary twitches should not take the drug. The drug is not proved safe for children under the age of 6 and should never be used for psychiatric disorders, severe depression or disorders caused by stress.

5. Short Kids with Bad Blood Vessels and Psychosis. Coffee Anyone?

There have been links to the long-term use of Ritalin that directly relate it to stunted growth patterns that never rebounded to achieve normal growth. Cardiovascular problems can occur over long periods of time. Some children developed psychotic and delusional episodes and increased aggression. With all the problems that occur with Ritalin, you might want to speak with your doctor about trying coffee instead of Ritalin. Dr. Joel Young, a member of the ADD Association and child psychiatrists, believes it is a viable alternative. Sharing a cup of coffee with your child sounds a lot more pleasant and a whole lot safer.