Children with FASD can show several signs of central nervous system dysfunction including: microcephaly (small head) altered muscle tone poor fine and gross motor coordination hyperactivity attention / memory problems learning disabilities language and speech problems mental retardation irritability weak sucking response As the children get older, behaviour problems frequently become significant: failure to consider consequences of actions lack of appropriate iniative unresponsive to subtle social cues lack of reciprocal friendships
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Second – the bad Like all medications, Ritalin has negative side effects. Not all individuals will be affected in the same way but the following list are concerns that have been observed: decreased appetite (hunger returns when meds wear off) weight loss failure to grow insomnia dizziness and drowsiness increase in motor and/or vocal tics increase in heart rate increase in blood pressure abdominal stress (nausea) headaches allergic reactions (rash, hives) nervousness excitement can affect […]
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“It was like a dread inside, there all the time. When I was with my friends it would go away a bit, but it always came back.” […]
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Next – the ugly The abuse potential for stimulant medications are real. When used in the doctor prescribed manner and dosage there is little danger in this regard, however when “snorted” the effects are reported to be similar to snorting cocaine. In fact cocaine and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are very closely related. Larger doses give feelings of: euphoria more energy / power sense of power mental sharpness As the effects wear off there is: heightened fatigue […]
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First the Good – the following is a list of commonly observed behavioural changes when a child with ADD/ADHD begins using a stimulant medication (eg. Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, Adderall) decreased motor activity decreased aggression decreased defiance less impulsive makes fewer careless mistakes grades improve more compliant improved relationships improved concentration improved attitude The “experts” really don’t understand exactly how stimulant medications work but it appears to alter the neurochemical functioning of the brain, especially the […]
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