Ritalin

0 Views • 08/26/25

Side Effects

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Ritalin or methylphenidate was initially approved about 65 years ago yet remains among the top 50 prescribed medicines in American. Ritalin ranks just behind asthma medicines as the second most common long term prescription agent for children. The main indication for Ritalin is ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Several different forms of Ritalin exist – an immediate release form, a sustained release version and a long acting capsule. The likelihood of abuse and dependence generally appears at a dose of Ritalin higher than necessary to control symptoms of AHDH. Difficulty sleeping, mood disorders, restlessness, and interference with both linear growth and weight gain are well established side effects.

Approximately half of children and adults diagnosed with ADHD will begin drug therapy. Diagnosis of ADHD remains about 20 times more common in America compared to many European countries. In some European countries Ritalin is not legally available.

Some argue that the explosive surge of ADHD in America may be related to overdiagnosis and lack of recognition of underlying social or family issues. Drug company influence in the medical community, advertising and pharmaceutical involvement in medical research might inflate the rate of diagnosis. At present 1 in every 5 boys carry the diagnosis of ADHD with the vast majority also being diagnosed with other psychiatric diseases as well.

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