Ritalin.......... whats your opinion????

Question

My 10 year old has just been prescribed Ritalin for ADHD. After questioning the psychatrist ref long term effects, i was told that he had searched but found no written evidence of this.
Is there anyone out there whos child has taken or is currently taking this drug and whats your views on this. I know of the side effects in regards to appetite and sleeplessness.
I have had problems with my son since he was 3 years old with all the common adhd problems (although hyperactivity is low, impulsiveness and a major lack of concentration is highly present which affects his social skills immensly).
I as a parent dont even take paracetamol if i have a headache so i am worried what 'crap' i am giving my child!
Ps Please no-one say give him a slap because people who say this are damn ignorant - and regarding parenting issues i attended classes 3 years ago which did not have any positive effect on his behaviour...only made him agressive and to be honest i was doing mostly what they trained.

WIBBLE: - I totally disagree with the ignorant folk who say 'schools & parents are not in control' pls understand this- it is not the run of the mill behaviour that works with normal discipline procedures!

So thanks Wibble...those people irritate me also!

EMILYROSE - thanks for your answer, i wondered do you know where i can find out info done on these studies/findings?

Emily Rose - Thanks your an angel x

Devil Weed - thanks for answer... i would like to point out that my son has no learning dificulties, he is actually very bright academically...it is the behaviour that is a prob...like acting before thinking..and hurting children etc because he does not stop and think before he acts. (Also its not that i dont accept him as he is, he is my son but it is very hard to stand back and watch him struggle which causes him to be unhappy, low self esteem and unacceptable socially) I love him regardless.

Answer 1

I've was taking Ritalin for a while, and recently switched to Concerta, which is just a time released version of the same thing (so I only have to take it once a day instead of three times). I'm an adult, so I don't have any first-hand knowledge of the effects on kids, but I did a fair amount of research on it, and as a biochem major I have enough background in psychobiology and scientific writing in general to make some sense out of it. So here's what I can tell you:

Studies have shown no significant long-term effects of Ritalin on children. Many children do experience some initial weight-loss or slowing of growth with the start of treatment due to decreased appetite, but long-term studies have shown that children taking Ritalin do catch back up, and there's no evidence of a persistent deficit in height or weight. When your son's doctor said he couldn't find any evidence of long-term effects, what he basically means is that he's pretty sure there isn't any evidence of long-term effects, but he can't say with 100% confidence that there's nothing out there documenting some possible long-term effect, or that it's not possible that there is something that has been missed by all the studies that have been done. Ritalin's been used in kids for several decades at this point, and it's extremely unlikely that it has any serious long-term effects that no one has noticed yet.

As you know, the main side effects are decreased appetite, and trouble sleeping. He shouldn't have trouble sleeping unless he takes his last dose too late in the day. Of course, not eating enough can have a long-term effect on growing kids. If he doesn't take the morning dose much before breakfast, he shouldn't have trouble eating at that point, and even if he's taking a third dose in the afternoon it will probably wear off by dinner time, and he'll eat normally. He'll also be taking a dose at lunch time. What I've found is that the morning dose wears off before lunch anyway, so it may not be an issue. But the other thing I've noticed is that while I always feel as hungry before a meal, I can still eat a normal portion, so if your son does lose his appetite a bit, encourage him to try to eat his lunch anyway.

I think it's entirely unnecessary to suggest that you try making changes to his environment before putting him on meds, as it sounds like you already do consider meds a last resort. I understand why you'd be worried about long term effects of the medications, but what about long term effects of untreated ADHD? Sure it's not likely to cause any organic damage, but what about psychologically? Lots of people with undiagnosed or untreated learning disabilities end up getting so frustrated with school that they drop out. I talked to someone on here who ended up trying to kill himself out of depression that was ultimately determined to have been caused by his frustration with the symptoms of his undiagnosed ADHD, and since he's started dealing with the ADHD he's stopped feeling depressed. Now, I'm not trying to say that if you don't medicate your son something terrible will happen. Just that there are there are risks associated with the medication, there are also risks to not medicating, and you should really be weighing the risks of each option against each other rather than just considering the risks of the meds and ignoring the potential harm that could come from not adequately treating the ADHD.

BTW, I noticed someone recommended you try Adderall XR instead of Ritalin. Switching to Adderall just to get the once-a-day version isn't necessary as Concerta is an extended release version of Ritalin. There's no reason to think that Adderall is any safer than Ritalin, or that it will have fewer side effects. In fact, most of what I've seen on the topic suggests that Adderall has a stronger effect on appetite than Ritalin does. The two drugs are pharmacologically very similar, but I do consider Adderall a stronger appetite suppressant. I'd recommend you stick with Ritalin for a while and see how that goes. If it's not working for him, then you might want to try Adderall (there's also Strattera, but I'd stay far away from that if you're nervous about drugs in general as there haven't been any long-term studies, and the side effects can be unbearable for some patients). If you get good results from the Ritalin, you might want to consider trying Concerta so he doesn't have to take a pill at lunch, and because it doesn't have the "roller-coaster" effect that the short acting preparations tend to produce.
____

OK, I've got a couple references for you...

Unfortunately, this one's the abstract of a review, and I can't find the full text anywhere, so there's not much to support their claims other than their statement that it's supported but if correct, their conclusion is quite good:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=14658920&query_hl=5&itool=pubmed_DocSum

This one deals specifically with height and weight, and shows no significant long-term effects:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16670649&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum

Another one about growth:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16670649&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum

These three show significant long-term benefits to treatment (their purpose was compairing two different treatments, but that doesn't make the results of the methylphenidate-treated group any less valid:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=15213582&query_hl=5&itool=pubmed_DocSum
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=15213581&query_hl=5&itool=pubmed_DocSum
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=15213583&query_hl=5&itool=pubmed_DocSum

This one shows no lasting effects on dopamine transporters:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16139732&query_hl=5&itool=pubmed_DocSum

A couple studies showing that Ritalin exposure during childhood might actually have long-term benefits in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in adults, even after the medication is stopped (i.e. not only does it not hurt, it may actually help long-term):
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17196789&query_hl=5&itool=pubmed_docsum
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16616981&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum

And finally, to support my point about Ritalin vs. Adderall:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16670648&query_hl=5&itool=pubmed_DocSum
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16511362&query_hl=5&itool=pubmed_DocSum
Both studies found that neither drug was more effective, but Adderall had a somewhat greater effect on appetite and weight.

Those are just the abstracts, which are all that is going to be freely available for most of them. I might have access to the full text of some of them through my school's subscriptions, so if there are any you want the full text of, you're welcome to email me and I can see if I can get hold of it for you, but I did notice that there were several in there that I don't have access to the full text.

Answer 2

This one always causes such a debate!

I work with lads with ADHD and my partner has ADHD.

There are about 40 lads at the school where I teach and about 20 have ADHD; most of those are on Ritalin or Concerta. My partner is not currently taking Ritalin, but has in the past and felt it did help him focus when he needed to.

I personally do think that Ritalin is overprescribed and although it does seem to benefit some of the young men in school, it almost strips some of them of their entire personality and I find that quite difficult to deal with. However, I will concede that having to put up with the kind of behaviour that can otherwise be displayed I can understand why Ritalin is probably a blessed relief to some!

I think along with medication, perhaps consider dietary changes and be consistent with the way behaviour is managed, as I'm sure you already are. Those idiots who say give him a slap have no understanding of the condition, which is still incredibly misunderstood.

I've spoken to my chap at length about his experiences of Ritalin as it helps me in my job and he did find it helped him, but he's not taken it for about a year now and never took it regularly. It did suppress his appetite, but he's not the biggest eater anyway, even now, and his sleeping patterns are just as bad on or off it!

I'm sure you're already aware of websites, but here are a couple I find useful:

add.about.com
www.addiss.co.uk

The best thing is to love your son, support him, and be proud of his achievements, however small. A lot of the kids I work with don't have the luxury of parents who care for them, as you obviously care about your son. It doesn't have to rule his life - or yours. Good Luck to you.

(Oh - just checked out some of the other answers.

No! It's not always the parents and teachers can control their classes! ADHD whether some of you like it or not is a recognised neurological condition. I wish you could visit my school or meet my partner, then maybe you might open your blinkered little eyes.)

Answer 3

If ADHD was effecting him as much as you say it is, try the Ritalin. If it helps then stick with it. If you don't notice an improvement then try something else. One of our friends has a teenage daughter who is extremely hyper. Talks so fast you can't understand her. She just has so much going through her head at all times she can't say it fast enough. Can't concentrate on anything and very emotional, usually angry. They put her on Ritalin and it made a big difference in her behavior. Her grades have gone up and she's happier.

Answer 4

I'm personnaly very weary of all behavior-modifying drugs given to a child. The reason is this : a child's brain is still in formation and needs to aquire its chemical balance. Playing with this chemical balance before maturity is asking for trouble.

I personnaly have a cousin who was given this drug as a child, and had to be taken off from it because of the side-effects. He went through a withdrawal phase equivalent to what a heroin addict can suffer. So if you decide to go through with this, be aware that this can happen if you do not like the effects of Ritalin on your son.

Ritalin was approved for ADHD only recently, because preliminary studies showed its efficiency. It was forwarded fast because toxicology data is already available. The pharma behind it is of course very happy at the propective increase in its income, so of course is not in a hurry to release any study on long term effects of Ritalin.

There are some alternative treatment of ADHD you could try, which are a lot less 'invasive' for your son's brain. An intensive, everyday physical exercise program, is one option. Another is the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, from fish or supplement. Some people also say that controlling the amount of sugar in a child's diet can help. You might try this first, and keep the Ritalin as a last resort measure.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your son.

Answer 5

Hi my son has got asperger syndrome and also ADHD he has been on Ritalin for about 4 years, the only effects that he has had are the appetite not being as good and the up and down effects when the drug wears off. Other than that it has been the only time that his school has been able to teach him and keep him under control. My advice would be to use the drug but make sure that your son is monitored often for side effects. Good luck

Answer 6

i am 36 years years old,when i was in school they were just starting to learn about learning disorders like adhd. and others. so i was not diegnosed and i received no treatment,and i did very bad in school and i was in all the speciel classes. but i never took ritalin.as a adult i still have adhd,and i still do not take anything for it. i feel life is not eazy for me, i look at it this way sosiety has created a system were only the fit survive,and every one else serves them, i beleive it is natral to be adhd. and to take a drug to change it is wrong, your son is who he is, be a good parent and saport him and protect him, just because he does not do well is school does not make him a person even though this is how sosiety judges people, let him be,let him live his life dont give him a bunch of drugs, just be there for him if he has adhd he will allways have a hard time in this world because of how are soceity is, he is your kid protect him,it sounds like you are a good parent, i have allso heard that ritalin was very simeler to meth. and you no what meth is dont you ? its the stuff that taht makes peoples teeth fall out and have sores all over there bodys, do your own research on the drugs you give your kid, you can read, you have a computer, we can look up the same thing the doctors can. i hope i dont sound to sinickel but like i said i grew up with adhd and other learning disabilities i no how your son feels.

Answer 7

The Psychiatrist couldn't find any effects? Well let's see, weight loss for one. My daughter took it but switched to Adderall XR because that way she didn't have to take it but one time a day. I only had her on it when it was a school day. Headaches were also common with her. Mostly it was she didn't have an appetite at lunch, but would eat at dinner. I think I would check with your son's pediatrician also. There are other ADD medications. If he is involved in sports never give him the meds on that day. Try to stick with it just on school days (for focusing in class). Be wary about the new "patch", as it is also Methylphenadate (Ritalin). As about Adderall XR.

EDIT *** I forgot*** go to WebMD.com and look at Ritalin. Ty Pennington (Extreme Home Makeover) is ADHD as well and he backs Adderal XR. You can even search / google it and probably get coupons and brochures from his site.

Answer 8

You need to do as much research as you can and make an informed decision
as you probably already know He is haveing problems and youre trying to remedy them
Mine takes Concerta which is ritalin in time release form
He has benefited from it
however each person is different
Good luck mum

Answer 9

Oh, please don't give your child ritalin. My nephew was on it for years and you should see the photos I received every year of the family. Everybody was smiling except him. He looked stoned.

It seems like everybody wants to prescribe meds for kids who are hyperactive (that's what it used to be called) and teachers are the worst because they can't control their classrooms any more.

Try to find ways for your son to release some of that stored up energy -keep him away from the tv and video games as much as possible. Let him get outdoors as much as possible. Remember he is going to grow out of it in a couple of years, probably when he hits puberty.

I really hope you don't give him this medication. I'm sure you already know all the dangers and side effects. If all else fails, pray!!!

Answer 10

Slowly weaned my son of Ritalin{he took it for 6 months), and I read the book "The Beginner's Guide to Insight Meditation" by: Arinna Weisman and Jean Smith. Practiced the meditative techniques for myself to see if it worked. Taught the simplified very of the Mindfulness of Breathing to my 9 & a half yr. old son, he understood, and practices it, 10 min. at a time, 3 times a day. He is off all meds, for his ADHD and is doing excellent at school, home, and everywhere else. Be patient for the results,
it took 5 weeks before we observed better results, but it does work !
"Read the book, 'The Beginner's Guide to Insight Meditation' by: Arinna Weisman and
Jean Smith" This will Most Definitely improve yourself spiritually and mentally. Teaches mindfulness of breathing, and a couple other techniques to people to improve their self-image,
teaches relaxation techniques, brings a stable peace of mind,
helps one generate patience, kindness, endurance, improves one's memory and concentration, and Increases Our Cognitive Thinking skills, to effectively solve all our challenges we might face in life. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD. has proven that meditation improves the cognitive areas of the brain, helping a person to deal with things, people, and situations clearly, with a sound, intelligent mind, while living in the present moment. Also teaches how we can still have peace & happiness while physically sick.
Also helps a person to deal effectively with worry, anger, stress, Bipolar, ADHD, anxiety, depression & many other unhealthy mental and emotional disorders.
My neice, at 9 was put on Ritalin for ADHD for 3 years, then Cylert for almost 5 yrs. After her Psychiatrist weaned her off the medication when she thought she was doing much better, she started on Crystal Meth. My neice is now 28, and is still highly addicted to Crystal Meth.
And works at a tire shop, rotating tires. Never finished High School.

Answer 11

My little brother takes Ritalin and it has helped him a lot. If your son has it that bad, go for it.