Ritalin Side Effects (Cont.)

Serious Ritalin Side Effects

Serious side effects of Ritalin, while not as common, should be reported to your healthcare provider, including:
 
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Confusion
  • Chest tightness, chest pain, or heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Depression (see Ritalin and Depression)
  • More outgoing or aggressive behavior than normal
  • Strange behavior
  • Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there)
  • Agitation or restlessness
  • Fainting
  • Seizures
  • Uncontrolled movements of the head, neck, mouth, arms, or legs (known as tics)
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
 
    • Unexplained skin rash
    • Itching
    • Hives
    • Wheezing or difficulty breathing
    • Unexplained swelling.
 

Rare Ritalin Side Effects

Rare Ritalin side effects were reported in only a few people taking the drug. Given how uncommon they are, it can be difficult to tell whether these side effects are actually caused by the medication or something else.
 
Some of these rare side effects include but are not limited to:
 
If you suffer from seizures, heart problems, or mental problems, Ritalin can aggravate the symptoms associated with these conditions.
 

Ritalin Side Effects: Final Thoughts

You may experience some or none of the Ritalin side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, be sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking the drug. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of Ritalin, he or she will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;