Ritalin SR Side Effects

Insomnia, weight loss, and nervousness are some of the more common adverse effects seen with Ritalin SR. Side effects that have been reported rarely with the medication include anemia, hair loss, and changes in liver function. Although most side effects of Ritalin SR are minor, some problems should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately, such as fainting, chest pain, or seizures.

Ritalin SR Drug Info

Ritalin SR Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Ritalin SR^®(methylphenidate extended-release). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of reported side effects. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)

Common Ritalin SR Side Effects

Ritalin SR has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

Based on these studies, the most common Ritalin SR side effects include:

Nervousness
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Dizziness
Headache
Drowsiness
Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
Weight loss (see Ritalin SR and Weight Loss).

Ritalin SR can also cause a temporary slowing down of growth in children. This is usually small (less than an inch and less than two pounds), and children usually catch up to normal growth rates with time.

(Click Long-Term Side Effects of Ritalin for more information.)

(Ritalin SR Side Effects Continued: Page 2)