Short Term Effects of Ritalin

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is most often prescribed to treat childhood ADHD and ADD. It is sometimes given to adults with those same conditions as well. In addition, it is used to treat and prevent narcolepsy. Ritalin is a stimulant that falls somewhere between caffeine and amphetamines in strength. It is not addictive in standard doses but can become addictive if abused.

How It Works

• Ritalin is usually taken orally, in pill form. The pills are formulated to be either chewed or swallowed whole. Both types of pills should be taken about 30 minutes before eating food. The frequency and amount of dosage depends on the situation and the size of the person being medicated. The medicine is a stimulant and increases the activity of the central nervous system. It also has a calming effect on hyperactive children and helps them focus. It is not recommended for children under the age of 6 years.

Common Short-Term Effects

• Ritalin helps relax the behavior of children or adults with hyperactive tendencies and helps children or adults concentrate on one task at a time. The immediate feeling is one of calm alertness. In addition, there may be some side effects such as mild stomach pain, slight dizziness, a headache, sweating or insomnia.

Serious Effects

• Some people may have an allergic or uncommon reaction to Ritalin. If any of the following events occur after taking the medication, seek emergency treatment immediately. These effects can include heart palpitations, seizures, swelling of the face, mouth or tongue, hives or a rash, difficulty breathing, sore throat or the development of hallucinations.

Short-Term Effects When Abused

• Ritalin is often sold on the street, where it is crushed into a powder and snorted much like cocaine. This abuse of the drug can lead to serious side effects such as vomiting, rapid, irregular heart beat, dangerously high blood pressure, red-hot skin rash and itching hives, high fever, stomach ulcers and seizures that can be life-threatening. The abuse of Ritalin can also induce hallucinations and psychotic episodes.

Controversy

• There is controversy as to whether or not Ritalin is a safe drug to give to children. Often prescribed for children as young as 6, there have been no long-term studies of the effect of the drug on a developing brain. In addition, many scientists and parents believe that regular doses of stimulants are not healthy for children, and that a large percentage of children currently taking the drug do not really need it; that these children just have more "active" personalities.