What Is Ritalin?
Methylphenidate, a prescription, mental stimulant, goes by many brand names, including the generic name Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Concerta and Methylin; however, most people are familiar with Ritalin. You may be surprised to discover that Ritalin is a stimulant and not a sedative since most people associate this drug with treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, methylphenidate is not the same type of stimulant as caffeine or sugar, it doesn’t stimulate the brain in a manner that produces hyperactivity but, in fact, it does quite the opposite.
It is actually not quite known how Ritalin acts upon the brain, but it is believed that Ritalin somehow corrects an imbalance of the neurotransmitters (brain cell pathways) and hormones dopamine and serotonin. Neurotransmitters relay and modulate signals between a neuron (brain cell) and another cell. Ritalin seems to function by inhibiting dopamine blockers in the brain and simultaneously increasing dopamine production. Since dopamine and serotonin are two of the brain’s transmitters that communicate with the logical, rational portions of the brain and help to reduce impulsivity, Ritalin enhances a person’s ability to reason, control his or her behavior, learn better at school and interact with peers and family.
What Is Ritalin Used For?
Most likely, you are aware that the generic Ritalin is used to treat ADHD since this is its most common application. However, Ritalin has several other uses as well. Ritalin is sometimes prescribed for people with CFS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, whereby sufferers experience extreme physical and mental fatigue, intellectual difficulty, muscle pain and arthritis. It is also used to treat people who suffer from the sleep disorder known as narcolepsy, which is characterized by EDS, or Excessive Daytime Sleepiness. During EDS, a person experiences micro-sleep, which is similar to a tiny, undetectable blackout, a sudden onset of sleep and persistent need for sleep even after several hours of uninterrupted nighttime sleep.
Typically, Ritalin is prescribed for children and teenagers who are experiencing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD is characterized by a number of symptoms in the young child including hyperactivity, an inability to focus strictly on one task, aggressiveness, impatience and a plethora of other challenging traits. ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder, is a similar condition in that a child finds it very difficult to focus on a particular activity; however, hyperactive behaviors are not present. Both of these conditions can make it very difficult for a child to learn at school, develop social skills and interact well with peers and family.
What Are the Dangers of Ritalin?
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the decision to place him or her on Ritalin is undoubtedly a difficult one. Furthermore, people with little or no experience or knowledge of the drug often tend to repeat misconceptions about Ritalin, making it even more difficult for parents to use medical treatment for their child. That is why it is always important to refer to your child’s attending pediatrician or physician when asking for clarification about Ritalin. It is wise never to depend upon a layperson for this information, even those whose own children have taken the drug since children react differently to Ritalin.
That said, methylphenidate is not recommended for people with heart conditions, overactive thyroid gland, or who are suffering from Tourette’s Syndrome or excessive anxiety. Although Ritalin is proven to have positive consequences for children suffering from ADHD, it can also produce negative side effects such as hallucinations, mood swings, nervousness, headaches and diarrhea. It is now confirmed that Ritalin does have a long-term effect on height and weight which was previously believed to be untrue.
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