ADHD Alternatives

Learn about alternatives to powerful mind-altering drugs prescribed by physicians for children.

Ritalin: Side Effects and an Alternative to Ritalin

Ritalin Side Effects

Ritalin (Methylphenidate)

Our opinion is that Ritalin is a good medication. But it can cause problems, sometimes serious side effects, and must be used with caution. Our Clinical Director Dr. Cowan worked with over 1,000 children and teens with ADHD over the past 16 years, and hundreds of those ADHD patients were treated with Ritalin. For about a third of those patients Ritalin made a "day and night" difference. For another third Ritalin was "helpful." For the rest, Ritalin either didn't help significantly, or it actually caused problems. For some ADHD kids there were significant side effects ranging from loss of appetite, to seizures.

Most of the Ritalin side effect problems observed over the years were due to physicians not being careful with the prescriptions, and prescribing too much Ritalin per dose, especially when first beginning treatment. Other problems were observed when parents would continue to give the Ritalin to their ADHD kid even when they saw that the medication was causing the child problems. Ritalin is a powerful tool and must be used carefully, if used at all.

Read full article here

http://www.newideas.net/ritalin_side_effects.htm

Blogged with Flock