Ritalin is a central nervous system stimulant. It is primarily used for ADD and ADHD diagnosed patients. Short term learning benefits have been achieved with this medication. Long term affects have been devastating. Various studies over the years have shown no significant improvement in children on Ritalin, compared to children not taken Ritalin. Some studies suggest that drug addiction and behavioral problems increase in later years with children who have used Ritalin.
According to the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) adverse reactions can be, but are not limited to; insomnia, headaches, skin rashes, fever, anorexia, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, dyskinesia, drowsiness, blood pressure and pulse change, cardiac arrhythmias, liver damage, abdominal pain, weight loss, Tourette's syndrome and hair loss.
The Drug Enforcement (DEA) lists Ritalin as a Schedule II drug, in the same category as cocaine, methamphetamine and most other potent opiates and barbiturates. Ritalin also known as T-bal, smart drug, Vitamin R, is often used as a recreational drug, predominantly by college students to enhance focus and to get high, snorting Ritalin just like cocaine. Ritalin addiction can result in seizures, strokes, hyperthermia, hypertension and death.
The bottom line is that even though Ritalin controls some of the child's behavior for a very short amount of time, the long term effects are disturbing. What price are we willing to pay?
There is a better way.
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