Ritalin – the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
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 liver function
- may activate latent epilepsy or glaucoma
- tolerance develops requiring larger dose
- makes some children feel “funny”
- negatively interacts with some drugs
- “rebound” – hyperactivity returns stronger when drug wears off
The following list includes possible psychosocial side effects:
- lower self esteem
- attributes “external” cause for success or failure
- disowning responsibility for their own provocative behaviour
- stigmatization by peers
- family issues remain unresolved
- need for parenting and teaching changes are buried
The following quote from the American Psychiatric Press – Textbook of Psychiatry –
page 1076 is noteworthy – “Stimulants have not been demonstrated to have long term therapeutic effects”. . . . “It is clear that medication alone is not sufficient treatment”.