Ritalin Effects (Cont.)

 
Side Effects of Ritalin
Some of the common side effects of Ritalin at prescribed doses include:
 

Ritalin Effects at Higher Doses

At higher doses, Ritalin has different effects. Most often, these are doses that would be taken by someone who is abusing the drug (see Ritalin Abuse). These effects are not usually a problem for people taking prescribed doses of Ritalin. Higher doses of Ritalin can cause the following effects:
 
  • Hyperactivity
  • Euphoria (a "high")
  • Rapid breathing
  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Fever
  • Muscle pain
  • Aggressiveness
  • Increased heart rate or change in heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there).
     
These effects can be dangerous at high doses (especially in people with heart problems), including people with:
 
 

A Summary of Ritalin Effects

Ritalin can have many different effects in the body. In general, lower doses have a calming effect, helping people focus, while higher doses of Ritalin have opposite effects. Because some of the Ritalin effects at higher doses can be dangerous, it is important to take only the amount of Ritalin that your healthcare provider prescribes.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;