Adverse effects are possible while taking Ritalin. Side effects that have been reported the most include headache, drowsiness, and nervousness. Rare side effects include hair loss, anemia, or changes in liver function. While most side effects of Ritalin are considered mild and do not require medical attention, you should talk to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience chest pain, heart palpitations, fainting, or hallucinations.
An Introduction to Ritalin Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
Ritalin® (
methylphenidate hydrochloride). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Ritalin 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 Ritalin 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 Side Effects
Ritalin has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to side effects that occurred in a similar group of people 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 side effects include:
Ritalin can also temporarily stunt the growth of children. This slowing down of growth is usually small (less than an inch and less than two pounds), and children usually catch up to their normal growth rate with time.
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