Ritalin Uses

Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD in children and adults. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also approved the medication to treat the sleeping disorder known as narcolepsy, a growing body of research shows other potential uses for the medication. Ritalin can have serious side effects, especially if you have a heart or mental health condition. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of Ritalin.

ADHD

• ADHD is a condition in which children or adults are overactive, impulsive or have trouble paying attention, staying focused or controlling their actions. An estimated 3 to 5 percent of children in the U.S. have the condition and more than 2 million Americans are treated for ADHD with Ritalin, according to MedlinePlus and Thomas D. Challman and colleagues in a July 2000 edition of "Mayo Clinic Proceedings". Scientists believe Ritalin alters levels of certain substances in the brain to reduce restlessness and helps children and adults pay attention.

Narcolepsy

• Alongside its primary use for treating ADHD, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also approved the drug for use in treating narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a sleeping disorder that causes people to have sudden attacks of sleep any time of day while awake and excessive daytime drowsiness. While there is no cure for narcolepsy, your doctor may recommend a nervous system stimulant such as Ritalin if you suffer from the condition. Ritalin helps reduce sleepiness during the day.

Other Potential Uses

• A growing body of research suggests Ritalin has additional benefits for ill elderly patients, people with a brain injury, cancer or HIV. Challman and colleagues suggest the medication may be useful in reducing symptoms of depression in elderly patients who are ill and people with HIV. Ritalin has been shown to improve memory and attention in ill elderly people and people with brain injuries from trauma or stroke, the authors add. Similarly, studies have linked the medication to improved memory, language skills, mood and pain control in cancer patients.

Side Effects

• Ritalin may cause mild to serious side effects. Common side effects include nausea, nervousness, dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, muscle tightness, stomach pain, decreased appetite and trouble sleeping. The medication may also cause seizures in people with a history of seizures, and blurred vision or changes in vision.

Warnings

• Ritalin may cause sudden death in children or teenagers with heart problems or heart defects, and stroke or heart attack in adults. Behavior problems, bipolar illness or increased hostility may develop in people who take ritalin. The drug is also known to slow growth or weight gain in children. Talk to your doctor if you notice any signs of heart problems, including shortness of breath or chest pain, or psychotic symptoms in you or your children such as hearing voices.