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Ritalin Side Effects
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Ritalin Side EffectsCommon Ritalin Side Effects may include: * Insomnia - As a stimulant therapy, one Ritalin side effect is a significant inability to sleep if the dose is given too close to bedtime. * Decreased Appetite - The stimulant aspect of Ritalin also introduces a problem with eating since the drug acts much like a "diet pill," increasing energy level while decreasing hunger.
* Weight Loss - The weight loss side effect most likely occurs over time as the result of a decreased appetite and an increased metabolic rate. * Growth Delay - Studies have shown a correlation between the sustained use of Ritalin and a decrease in normal growth rate in children, likely related to both decreased nutritional satisfaction and a disturbance in the normal balance of a child's growth hormones. * Rebound Effect - With the standard Ritalin product, the drug wears off very quickly, causing the patient to move erratically from hyperactivity to calm and back to hyperactivity again and with withdrawal symptoms present at the end of the dose. * Headaches and Stomach Aches - The headaches and stomach aches found with Ritalin usually wear off after a few weeks on the drug and can be lessened by taking the medication with a healthy snack. * Crying, Nervousness, Restlessness - Increased sensitivity and crying spells may result from an imbalance of brain chemicals in the brain as a result of the Ritalin. * Increased Heart Rate or Palpitations - Again related to the stimulant aspect of the drug, Ritalin side effects may include an overstimulation of the heart and an interference with its normal rhythms. * Tics - In about 1% of patients, Ritalin may seem to initiate or increase an involuntary motor tic such as blinking, shrugging shoulders, rubbing fingers, or involutary facial twitching. * Habit Forming - Ritalin may become habit forming or create a drug dependency if usage is not closely monitored. Always comply with your doctor's instructions when using Ritalin. Nature's Plan for ADD Success
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