Whilst the drug can help to manage ADHD symptoms, it is not without side effects. There are serious and common side effects associated with the use of Ritalin. The most serious complaints seem to be quickening of the heart rate and mood changes. Some children tend to experience worse moods when they take the drug and that can lead to more aggressive behaviour than usual. However, more worryingly is the fact that the drug can cause changes in the blood glucose level. This is obviously more serious for those who have diabetes, but it can also cause serious health problems if it goes unnoticed.
Another potential serious side effect could be tics. This is where the child will move suddenly for no apparent reason. It could be their arm that moves, or their head. Either way, tics can be worrying and it is important to take your child to the doctor straight away if you do notice anything strange. Less common side effects include headaches and insomnia. You should be on the lookout for any ill effects whilst your child is on Ritalin.
The above are just a few of the side effects experienced by some children who take Ritalin. However, they seem to be mainly down to physicians not giving the correct doses. It is also important that you do not give the next dose of medication to your child if you suspect that the medication is doing them harm. It is much better to consult with the doctor so he can prescribe a lower dosage or alternative ADHD medications.
The main concern which many parents have over Ritalin is the likelihood of it causing permanent damage to their child. A recent study conducted by Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City looked into the effects that Ritalin has on the developing brain. The study was conducted using rats to test the effects of Ritalin. It was found that Ritalin caused brain alterations, but these gradually disappeared 3 months after the rats stopped taking the drug. Since the study was only conducted for a short period, the long term effects of Ritalin are still unknown. Dr. Teresa Milner, professor of neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College, warns of the possibility that the drug could cause permanent changes to brain chemistry and behaviour if taken for long periods of time. Ritalin is best used in the short term supplemented with behavioural therapy.
Of course more studies need to be done and parents do have a right to be concerned as even the FDA has directed the manufacturers of Ritalin and other ADHD drugs to provide a Patient Medication Guide that fully warns patients about their potential dangers of psychiatric and cardiovascular reactions.
Adderall is an amphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system. It has been approved by the FDA since 1996 for treating ADHD in adults and in children over the age of 6 years old. Adderall tends to have longer lasting results and its side effects are actually not as harsh as the side effects of Ritalin, another drug medication for ADHD.
The most common side effects of Adderall include insomnia, headache, weight loss and appetite loss. It is only fair to expect weight loss and appetite loss when you realize what the drug was originally used for. Children's weight and growth may be affected if Adderall is taken for long periods of time.
Other side effects include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, addiction and restlessness. These side effects are not as common as the ones mentioned earlier, but they can affect some people and can be really frustrating. Adderall addiction is a main concern as it can cause serious behaviour and medical problems.
However, the most serious side effects of Adderall are Tourettes Syndrome, hallucinations and increased heart rate.
Before you consider taking Adderall as treatment for ADHD, it is vital to discuss with your doctor about the risks involved and whether this medication could really help you. Adderall should not be taken if you have glaucoma, overactive thyroid, heart problems and a history of drug abuse. Never take Adderall with anti-depressant drugs called MAOI as it can cause serious reactions that can be potentially fatal.
Adderall is a drug with high risk of abuse. This is evident in the widespread use of Adderall among high school and college students during their final examinations. As Adderall is a stimulant that contains Amphetamine, students take it to help them focus longer and recall more effectively (in the short term). Some could end up relying on this drug as they develop a state of dependent learning due to their inability to perform without it. The prolonged and unsupervised use of Adderall may lead to drug addiction, sudden death and serious cardiac defects.
Amphetamines have appetite-suppressing properties, so some people take Adderall to lose weight. It is used in combination with other off label prescriptions drugs to treat obesity. This a risky way of losing weight as there have not been any research carried out to test the effectiveness of such treatment.
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