Ritalin is a medication that has been approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. This page of the eMedTV Web site describes in detail how the drug works and offers information on dosing guidelines, possible side effects, and more.
Nausea, headache, and nervousness are some of the common side effects of Ritalin. This eMedTV page lists common and rare side effects of the drug and describes problems that may require medical attention, such as seizures, hallucinations, or depression.
Weight loss is one of the side effects often seen with Ritalin. This page on the eMedTV Web site discusses Ritalin and weight loss in more detail and explains how the drug can occasionally be used in an off-label fashion for weight loss.
Hair loss is a rare side effect of Ritalin. But, as this eMedTV page explains, since the problem is reported rarely with Ritalin, and hair loss is common in the general population, it's difficult to say if it's caused by Ritalin or by other factors.
Side effects may occur with Ritalin, and depression is a problem that has been reported in clinical studies. This eMedTV page discusses the likelihood of developing depression as a side effect and explains how Ritalin can be used to treat depression.
What is Ritalin used for? As this eMedTV article explains, Ritalin is used for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Possible off-label uses and uses of the drug in children are also discussed.
Ritalin has different effects on the body, depending on the condition being treated. This eMedTV article describes the effects of Ritalin based on the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy, lists potential side effects, and discusses effects at high doses.
For the treatment of ADHD, most children start with a Ritalin dosage of 5 mg, taken twice a day. This eMedTV resource also includes Ritalin dosing guidelines for the treatment of narcolepsy and offers information on when and how to take the drug.
When drugs such as pressors or MAOIs are taken with Ritalin, interactions may occur. This eMedTV page lists other medicines that may cause drug interactions with Ritalin, describes the potential effects, and explains how your doctor may prevent them.
This eMedTV page provides Ritalin warnings and precautions, including information on who should avoid the drug and a list of other potential side effects to look out for. For example, Ritalin may potentially increase blood sugar and heart rate.
It's generally not recommended that pregnant women take Ritalin. This part of the eMedTV Web site discusses the research conducted on Ritalin and pregnant women, and explains how the FDA's pregnancy category system works.
This eMedTV segment describes generic Ritalin in detail and offers information on its strengths and manufacturers. An explanation of how the FDA rates generic medications is also described. (Generic versions of Ritalin have an "AB" rating.)
Rapid breathing, hyperactivity, or seizures are possible signs of a Ritalin overdose. This eMedTV Web page lists other possible symptoms, describes the factors that affect symptoms, and explains treatment options that are currently available.
Ritalin withdrawal is more likely to occur in people who are abusing the medication. This eMedTV article lists possible withdrawal symptoms and explains how people who are taking Ritalin at prescribed doses usually do not experience withdrawal.
People often abuse Ritalin by snorting it. This segment of the eMedTV archives explains why people may abuse the medication, discusses the dangers of doing so, and offers suggestions on where to seek help for addiction and abuse.
Ritalin is used to treat ADHD in children, but doctors can prescribe Ritalin for adults as an off-label use. This eMedTV segment defines "off-label" uses and explains how the drug is typically used in adults for the treatment of narcolepsy.
How long does Ritalin stay in your system? As this eMedTV page explains, the drug generally stays in your system for less than a day. However, if your liver or kidneys are not functioning normally, it may clear from your system faster or slower.
While the binding of dopamine to D2 receptors can help treat ADHD, it can also lead to abuse of the drug. This eMedTV page describes the link between Ritalin and D2 receptors, and explains how the drug's effects on the brain can lead to drug abuse.
Ritalin, a controlled substance, can be habit-forming and is likely to be abused as a result. This eMedTV segment explains what a controlled substance is and discusses the strict rules for prescribing a Schedule II controlled substance like Ritalin.
It is illegal to buy Ritalin without a prescription. As this segment of the eMedTV library explains, buying the drug without a prescription is against federal and state laws, and can be dangerous, because the medication is not suitable for everyone.
You should not mix Ritalin and alcohol until you know how the medicine affects you. This eMedTV page explains how alcohol may intensify the effects of the stimulant and discusses the risks of combining alcohol with a drug you have never tried before.
Because the medicine is a stimulant and can be habit-forming, it is possible to misuse Ritalin. This eMedTV resource lists common reasons for Ritalin abuse, discusses the possible consequences, and explains where to get help for addiction and abuse.
There are several Ritalin alternatives available, including lifestyle changes and other ADHD medications. This eMedTV page describes behavioral and other lifestyle changes and also lists drugs that can be used to treat ADHD.
