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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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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In 1937, a psychiatrist by the name of Charles Bradley prescribed amphetamines to 32 children with behaviour problems who were suffering from extreme headaches as a result of a procedure called pneumoencephalography (ie. spinal tap – analyzing fluid in the spine). He was hoping the amphetamines would relieve the pain. The amphetamine (benzedrine) did little for the headaches, but teachers noted 17 of the children experienced a striking improvement in their school work and behaviour. [...]
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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 [...]
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One of the treatment approaches to helping a child with ADD/ADHD is biochemical or pills. The medical community by in large endorses the theory that ADD/ADHD is caused by an imbalance of the neurotransmitters in the brain. The treatment frequently recommended by doctors is to give the child a pill that will bring the neurotransmitters into balance. Some of the more commonly prescribed meds include Ritalin, Concerta, Strattera (there are a number of others). Doctors [...]
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