2023-06-14 15:33:58
Main points of the article:
- Although Ritalin is a neurological drug, family doctors tend to approve prescriptions for the drug without consulting neurologists.
- In some patients, severe side effects appear, so the Medical Association is now considering a change in procedures for prescribing the drug.
- Since it is a drug that produces a kind of levitation, patients want to use it more and more, sometimes unnecessarily and sometimes in a way that resembles an addiction to anything.
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Recently, following complaints from many students about the worsening of the side effects following the use of Ritalin, including psychiatric disorders and depressive moods, the Medical Association decided to discuss changing the procedures for obtaining the prescription for Ritalin and other drugs for the treatment of serious and concentration disorders. This means that each prescription will be tested for the individual and the needs of the patient and will not be provided easily. The question is, how will this affect the black market for selling Ritalin and will the measure encourage the illegal and dangerous sales.
Ritalin – side effects in children
In the original target audience of the drug Ritalin – the children – the side effects are common and relatively mild. The reason is that children, unlike adults who decide to take Ritalin, undergo extensive testing and therefore those who may suffer from severe effects will probably not receive the drug. The common side effects in children will be decreased appetite, sleep problems, stomach aches, headaches, irritability and mood swings.
More severe side effects may manifest in an increased heart rate and an increase in blood pressure, and there is also evidence that Ritalin, like other stimulant drugs, may lead to a temporary slowing of growth in children. Less common side effects include dizziness, increased sweating, blurred vision, skin rashes, and tics.
Psychological effects: Ritalin can cause mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, and restlessness. In rare cases, the effect of the drug may also lead to more serious psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations, aggression or suicidal thoughts. It is essential to monitor children who have a history of mental health problems and report any changes in behavior while taking Ritalin.
Sleep Disorders: Ritalin can interfere with sleep, especially if it is not taken in the morning but later in the day.
Of course, not all children will experience these side effects. The specific dosage, individual response, and general health of each individual play a role in determining the likelihood and severity of side effects.
Ritalin – side effects adults
The side effects of Ritalin in adults are: headaches, aggression, irritability, depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, stomach aches, dry mouth and a flu-like feeling. At the same time, Ritalin has a calming effect even though it is a stimulant drug, which is why many adults find themselves dependent on it and sometimes take it unnecessarily. Since not every family doctor easily approves the administration of the drug, a black market has developed around the drug.
Ritalin. Causes a feeling of levitation and therefore may be addictive. Illustration: Shutterstock
Ritalin – long term side effects
According to recent reports, long-term use of Ritalin may cause permanent damage to blood vessels, high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Ritalin – sexual side effects
One of the less sympathetic symptoms of using Ritalin and also more rare is sexual dysfunction: the active ingredient in Ritalin – methylphenidate – inhibits the absorption of the hormone that increases sexual desire.
How do you deal with side effects of Ritalin?
The recommendations are to first try to take a medicine with a short-term effect, so that the effect wears off faster; Avoid caffeine, avoid screens and stress as much as possible and try to relax.
Do the side effects of Ritalin wear off over time?
Usually after a few weeks or in rarer cases a few months, most of the side effects – if not all – should disappear.
Ritalin and depression
Can Ritalin cause depression? Recent studies have found higher levels of depression in children and adolescents with ADHD during treatment with Ritalin. Another study found a temporary relationship between exposure to methylphenidate (the active ingredient in the drug) and the onset of depression in children and teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Ritalin and fatigue
The active substance Ritalin may cause dizziness, drowsiness or changes in vision.
Ritalin – psychotic side effects
About 3% of children treated with Ritalin report serious side effects such as psychosis, hallucinations and depression. Use of high doses of methylphenidate has been shown to cause serious complications such as psychosis.
Ritalin and diarrhea as a side effect
Ritalin can reduce appetite in some people. Other side effects include stomach pain and nausea. Less commonly, symptoms of vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea may occur. Over time, abuse of Ritalin can lead to malnutrition and related health problems.
Rash as a result of using Ritalin
A severe allergic reaction to Ritalin is relatively rare. At the same time, when you start using the drug, you should pay attention to symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, especially in the face, tongue and throat. Also, severe dizziness and difficulty breathing indicate an allergy to the drug.
Sleep problems using Ritalin
Sleep problems such as insomnia are a common side effect of using Ritalin and are related to the stimulant in the drug.
How do you deal with side effects of Ritalin?
The recommendation is to try to ask for Ritalin with a shorter-term effect and avoid stimulant drinks like coffee, rest and avoid stimuli like TV.
Do the side effects of the Ritalin pill wear off over time?
The side effects of the drug should go away after a few weeks and in some cases after a few months.
What are the side effects of Ritalin?
Using Ritalin can cause permanent damage to the blood vessels, produce blood pressure diseases, heart attacks and strokes. Some users have reported problems with depression, fatigue, psychiatric problems and even hallucinations.
(Photos: Shutterstock)
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