| Ritalin is one of the most prevalent drugs used to treat | | | | or inhaled. This could be a short leap from using |
| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is | | | | prescription amphetamines such as Ritalin to using |
| prescribed to thousands of children under the age of | | | | illegal street amphetamines in the future. |
| 18 every year. While Ritalin has been shown to help in | | | | Other side effects of Ritalin include headaches, |
| severe cases of ADHD, it may not be beneficial in mild | | | | stomach upsets, reduced appetite, depression, irritability, |
| cases as its side effects may be worse than the | | | | anxiety, increased blood pressure, sleep difficulties and |
| symptoms of ADHD. Ritalin has varying side effects | | | | nervousness. When the side effects of taking Ritalin |
| on children, some of which can be potentially harmful. | | | | are severe, they can be worse than ADHD |
| Ritalin causes stunted growth in children. A new study | | | | symptoms, making them an ineffective treatment. |
| conducted by the Child Development Center of the | | | | Instead of treating mild to moderate cases of ADHD |
| University of California, Irvine found that children who | | | | with drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall, some believe |
| took Ritalin for three years were about an inch shorter | | | | that dietary changes can help control ADHD |
| and weighed 4.4 pounds less than other children in their | | | | symptoms naturally. Many processed foods contain |
| age group. It is not known if these children ever regain | | | | dyes, addictives, preservatives and artificial flavoring |
| their normal height. The long-term neurological effects | | | | that can cause allergic reactions in people with ADHD. |
| of Ritalin remain unknown. | | | | Avoid excessive intake of sugar as it can cause |
| Another possible problem with treating ADHD children | | | | hyperactivity. Consume fresh and wholesome foods. |
| with Ritalin is the potential for addiction and abuse. | | | | Herbal remedies may also be helpful to treat ADHD |
| Ritalin is a stimulant and is categorized as an | | | | without the harmful side effects or possibility of |
| amphetamine. All amphetamines carry with them a | | | | addiction or abuse. Behavioral therapies have more |
| likely risk of addiction. A study found that children who | | | | positive and lasting benefits. |
| took Ritalin for more than 3 years have a greater risk | | | | With so many side effects of Ritalin and its long-term |
| of substance abuse and committing crime. | | | | effects remain unknown, it is best to consider |
| Many adolescents and young adults snort Ritalin in a | | | | alternative treatments for ADHD. Discuss all treatment |
| way similar to snorting cocaine. They think that Ritalin is | | | | options with your doctor carefully to ensure that Ritalin |
| a cheaper and safer alternative to cocaine. However, | | | | is only the last line of treatment for ADHD. |
| Ritalin has dangerous side effects whether taken orally | | | | |