How to Manage Ritalin Side Effects

The medication Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. Ritalin increases the activity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter important for the reinforcement of behavior, and helps people with ADHD to better focus. Common minor side effects of Ritalin include headache, insomnia, nausea and stomach pain, while more serious side effects can include chest pain and heart palpitations.

Things You'll Need

• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Food

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Instructions

Treating the Side Effects of Ritalin

• 1

  Taking Ritalin the same time every day is the best way to avoid insomnia often associated with the medication. Physicians recommend taking the eight-hour suspended-release tablets of Ritalin first thing in the morning, not in the evenings before bed. Other dosages include taking the pills two to three times a day at meals.

• 2

  Eating meals before taking Ritalin will help reduce the risk of stomach pain and nausea associated with the drug. Never take it on an empty stomach. Physicians usually recommend dosages to be given at meals or no more than 30 minutes before meals, so the medication and food will be present in the stomach at the same time.

• 3

  Administering over-the-counter pain medications will help to alleviate headaches caused by taking Ritalin. It is important to consult a physician first as there may be drug contraindications associated with the medication. Taking Ritalin with food can also help prevent headaches.