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Ritalin Neurology Effects

Thousands of children are diagnosed each year with attention deficit disorder (ADD). It is a diagnosis recognized not only by health care professionals but by many parents. Ritalin is the most well-known prescription medication associated with ADD. However popular Ritalin is for ADD, it is also used to treat other medical conditions. Ritalin has many benefits, but the side effects can affect anyone on the medication, especially children.

  1. What is Ritalin?

    • Ritalin is a prescription medication that falls in the neurological category of medications. It is considered a mild neurological stimulant designed to treat hyperactivity as seen in ADD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It's generic name is methylphenidate, and has been prescribed for hyperactivity for several decades. It comes in doses of 5, 10 and 20mg. It comes in a slow-release tablet called Ritalin-SR and as a long-acting dose known as Ritalin-LA.

    What is Ritalin Prescribed For?

    • Ritalin is generally prescribed for children and adults who have a hard time controlling their impulses. When there is uncontrollable hyperactivity, short attention spans, uncontrollable distractions and impulsive behaviors Ritalin might be helpful. Ritalin is also known to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy.

    Neurological Effects of Ritalin

    • Ritalin should never be prescribed to patients who suffer from mental problems such as bipolar disorder, aggression, manic-depressive disorders, suicidal tendencies or depression. Ritalin is a stimulant and it can increase the severity of those problems. Ritalin can also alter the growth pattern in children. Careful monitoring needs to be followed with children on Ritalin. Ritalin has also been known to increase the risk of seizures, especially in patients who have seizure tendencies. Blurred vision has also been found in some patients, which could indicate Ritalin has an effect on the nerves affecting the eyes.

    Typical Side Effects of Ritalin

    • Ritalin comes with an array of side effects and warnings, outside of neurological side effects. Some of the most common side effects are diarrhea, anorexia, fever, headache and nervousness. For children, they might complain of not being able to sleep, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. For these side effects, the medication might have to be given earlier in the evening, rather than at bedtime. Some patients might become immune to the medication. It might be necessary to increase the dose of Ritalin for the patient to continue getting the same benefit.

    Warnings Associated With Ritalin

    • Ritalin can be a safe medication if proper precautions are followed. However, for people who already experience problems with anxiety and nervousness, Ritalin can increase those problems. Some people can develop a dependency on Ritalin. Ritalin requires a doctor to monitor any changes to the medication.

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