See your doctor if any symptoms worsen or last beyond a few days. Find out more about the various symptoms and side effects that you might be at risk for while using Ritalin. Though Ritalin is a stimulant, when used in ADHD treatment, it may help with concentration, fidgeting, attention, and listening skills.
Ritalin is sometimes used to treat narcolepsy , a sleep disorder. As with all stimulants, this medication is a federally controlled substance. It can be misused, which comes with the risk of serious side effects. Ritalin should only be used with medical supervision. Your doctor will likely see you every few months to make sure the medication is working as it should. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that affects pleasure, movement, and attention span.
Norepinephrine is a stimulant. The levels of these chemicals increase slowly, so your doctor will start you on the lowest possible dose and increase it in small increments, if necessary. Ritalin may make it easier for you to concentrate, be less fidgety, and gain control of your actions. You may also find it easier to listen and focus at your job or in school. Some people taking Ritalin experience blurred vision or other changes to eyesight. Other potential side effects include:.
This is often done during the summer months. This can encourage growth, and also allows them to see how your child does without taking it. Ritalin, like other central nervous system stimulants, may be habit-forming. If you take a large dose, the quick rise in dopamine can produce a temporary feeling of euphoria.
Taking Ritalin in high doses or for a long time can be habit-forming. If you stop taking it abruptly, you may experience withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal include sleep problems, fatigue, and depression. Ritalin can cause circulation problems. Your fingers and toes may feel cold and painful, and your skin may turn blue or red. The review found no reliable evidence that Ritalin affects behavior long-term. When a person takes Ritalin alongside other medications, it can be dangerous.
According to the package insert , Ritalin interacts with the following drugs:. Before taking Ritalin, a person should tell their doctor or pharmacist about other medications they are taking.
The doctor or pharmacist can advise about possible interactions with Ritalin. Anyone who receives a prescription for Ritalin will need to regularly visit a doctor or other healthcare professional to review their medication needs. As Ritalin is a tightly controlled medication, a person will need a new prescription from a doctor each time.
If the medication loses its effects or has undesirable side effects, a person should tell their doctor. The doctor may adjust the amount of medicine they prescribe. A person taking Ritalin should never change their own dose and must consult a doctor first. Males should call or their local emergency service if they have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours or becomes painful. This can be a sign of a serious problem that needs immediate treatment.
If a person has numbness in the fingers or toes or changes in skin sensitivity or skin color, they should call or contact their local emergency service. Chest pain, changes in heartbeat, or breathing difficulties can also be dangerous, and a person should call or their local emergency service immediately. Ritalin methylphenidate is a stimulant medication for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Ritalin can cause side effects and has the potential for….
Ritalin and Adderall are different types of stimulant medication that doctors can prescribe to help treat ADHD. Learn about the differences between…. Concerta and Ritalin are both prescription drugs containing the active ingredient methylphenidate hydrochloride. There are many different ADHD medications. This article provides a list of ADHD medications and discusses side effects, risks, and benefits of…. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, is a complex condition that can be difficult to diagnose.
There are several different types…. What are the effects of Ritalin? Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm. What is Ritalin? Uses Side effects Short-term effects Long-term effects Interactions Seeing a doctor Summary Ritalin is a stimulant drug that doctors frequently prescribe to treat people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD , among other conditions.
Share on Pinterest Image credit: Getty Images. Side effects. Ritalin is available in a variety of short, intermediate, and long-acting forms. Focalin dexmethylphenidate and Focalin XR are made of just one part or isomer of Ritalin. These medicines leave out another part, which is inactive and may contribute to side effects. Although most forms of Ritalin, including Concerta, must be swallowed whole, it is possible to open Ritalin LA and Metadate CD capsules and sprinkle the contents on food, such as applesauce.
The liquid and chewable forms of Ritalin are good alternatives for children who can't swallow pills. Short-acting Ritalin is available in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg tablets that are usually taken two or three times a day. Each dose lasts three to five hours. With these formulations, a dose lasts 3 to 8 hours. A dose of these medications lasts hours, which means a child only has to take one dose per day.
If your child misses a dose of Ritalin or a similar stimulant , they can take the dose late. But they should not take it after six p. The most common side effects of Ritalin are nervousness and insomnia trouble sleeping. Other side effects include:. Many side effects can be managed by lowering the dose.
But if they continue, ask your child's doctor about a switch to another medicine. Ritalin is also not approved for children under 6 years of age, or for people taking MAO inhibitors. It is not recommended for pregnant women. Short-acting Ritalin is sometimes abused by people who crush and snort it or simply take Ritalin that they haven't been prescribed. They may believe it will help them study better or perform better at school.
Ritalin is a controlled substance , but despite persistent myths, that does not mean that is a narcotic. It is controlled because it can potentially be abused if taken by people without a prescription or medical need. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Medication guide.
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