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What Is Ritalin?

Many people, particularly parents of children who have just been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), wonder what Ritalin is. Ritalin is one of the most prescribed medications to treat both ADD and ADHD, and has been around for a very long time. At its best, Ritalin gives these children the gift of being able to focus and to control their bodies.

  1. Identification

    • Ritalin is one of the brand name for the generic drug methylphenidate. Other brand names for the same drug include Concerta, Metadate and Methylin. Ritalin is a stimulant medication that is only available by prescription. The medication affects the way the brain and nervous system works in relation to impulse control and hyperactivity. For this reason, the drug is frequently prescribed to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as narcolepsy.

    Benefits

    • When administered in the correct dosage, Ritalin can help a hyperactive child to exercise body control, which can greatly improve many aspects of the child's life, especially in school and in interaction with peers. Ritalin can also enable a child with ADD or ADHD to focus, which can result in less frustration in trying to complete schoolwork, homework and tests. Even though Ritalin is a stimulant, the drug actually calms down a child with ADHD.

    Effects

    • Unfortunately, Ritalin can have side effects. Two of the most common side effects of taking Ritalin are a decreased appetite and insomnia. The decreased appetite can be problematic for children, who need to be eating a healthy diet in order to continue growing at a healthy pace. Taking Ritalin over a long term can slow down the rate of a child's growth.

    Warning

    • Children with heart issues should not take Ritalin. Stimulants like Ritalin have been linked to sudden death in children with underlying heart issues. Never double up on this medication, because an overdose of Ritalin could be fatal. Ritalin should not be taken at the same time as some other types of drugs, so make sure to give your doctor a list of all other medications that you are using before taking Ritalin.

    Considerations

    • Many parents struggle with whether or not to give Ritalin to their child with ADD or ADHD. While Ritalin can have some frustrating side effects, the benefits outweigh the risks for many children. Watching a child who has never had the focus to complete a task suddenly have the ability to complete tasks is a gift.

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