Ritalin Side Effects

Ritalin’s generic name is methylphenidate. It works as a mild stimulant to the central nervous system. Most people do not become addicted when using Ritalin properly, but the potential is there. Persons who abuse the drug do so for its’ stimulant effects—appetite suppression, alertness, increased attentiveness, and the euphoric feeling it can produce. However, there are unwanted effects when taken in the long-term or when abused.

Common Ritalin Side Effects

Short term side effects of this medication include:

• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Abdominal pain, nausea, and/or vomiting
• Slow weight gain/growth
• Heart palpitations
• Skin rashes and itching
• Depression

In children, Ritalin has a calming effect and makes them more focused. This is the reason it is prescribed. However, it has been shown to cause growth suppression in kids.

Long term and/or more serious effects of methylphenidate include:

• Allergic reaction (hives, swelling of throat)
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Chest pains or high blood pressure
• Strange behavior or confusion
• Liver damage (yellowing of skin and eyes, unusual bleeding and bruising)
• Hallucinations
• Convulsions
• Repeated movements and doing tasks over and over
• Formication (feeling of bugs crawling under skin)

Anyone experiences the more serious side effects should speak to their doctor as soon as possible. In severe cases, seek emergency medical attention.

Recent studies have shown that the active drug methylphenidate also boosts levels of serotonin in the brain. This finding can lead to more research for a better understanding of how the drug works. It may also lead to an improved drug with fewer side effects.

Warnings

Persons who use methylphenidate may experience unwanted Ritalin side effects if they ignore the warnings regarding dosage instructions and drug interactions. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should talk to their doctor before using this drug. Additionally, do not use Ritalin if you have taken a MAO inhibitor in the past two weeks. Operating machinery, driving, or doing other hazardous activities should be avoided when using Ritalin.

Before beginning Ritalin use, some side effects can be reduced if doctors know about the following conditions:

• Allergy to methylphenidate
• Motor tics or Tourette’s syndrome
• Depression
• Psychotic conditions (such as schizophrenia)
• Epilepsy or a seizure disorder
• High blood pressure
• History of alcohol or drug abuse
• Narrow or partially blocked esophagus, stomach, or intestines

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. Otherwise, wait until the next time to dose. Do not double dose. In the case of an overdose, seek emergency treatment. Overdose signs include agitation, tremors, seizures, confusion, hallucinations, sweating, flushing, headache, or large pupils.

Drug interaction is also something to consider before beginning Ritalin treatment. Persons who use any of the following may require special dosage and close monitoring to reduce unwanted side effects:

• Warfarin
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Phenytoin
• Phenobarbital
• Primidone
• Clonidine
• Guanethidine

Addiction

It is possible to become addicted to Ritalin. Addiction may cause Ritalin side effects to become more pronounced or serious. However, when used in the dosage and form prescribed by doctors, there is little chance for addiction. Usually, prescriptions are given that begin with a low dose which is gradually is increased. Addiction occurs when it is increased rapidly and/or in large doses. Addiction causes dopamine increases in the brain. In fact, Ritalin side effects are similar to amphetamines, a widely abused family of drugs. Addicts often swallow, crush, snort, or dissolve and inject Ritalin.