What is Ritalin?
- the chemical name is methylphenidate
- it is an amphetamine
- it is a controlled drug
- it is in the stimulant class of drugs
- it is a performance enhancer
- it is a banned drug for international athletic competitions
- it has an abuse potential
- it is sometimes prescribed for narcolepsy (a sleep disorder characterized by recurring, irrepressible attacks of sleep during normal waking hours)
- it used to be used for obesity
- it is manufactured by Novartis
- it is a small, bitter tasting pill
- it comes in 3 strengths – 5 mg., 10 mg., 20 mg.
- it is fast working – approx. 20 – 30 minutes
- it last 3 – 4 hours (the slow release versions lasts about twice as long)
- optimal dosage is found by trial and error
- there is no evidence of it being carcinogenic
- dosages can be adjusted quickly and easily
- there is no withdrawal problems other than “rebound” (ie. symptoms return)
- it does not appear to accumulate anywhere in the body
- it is metabolized quickly
- there is a lengthy safety record
Stimulant medications such as ritalin are the mainstay of biochemical treatment for ADHD
Stimulants appear to allow some children to “put on the brakes” against distractions,impulsivity, over-reactions and frustrations.
They give a child’s “executive functions” a fighting chance.
What parents need most are ideas, because with ideas we get options. Rick Harper has been providing ideas to parents for over 40 years.