Ritalin side effects - in treatment of attention deficit disorder

Pediatrics for Parents, June, 1993

Methylphenidate. an amphetamine. is the first line treatment for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Many parents of children with ADD. also called hyperactivity. have expressed concerns that the treatment may cause a number of different side effects.

To evaluate the adverse effects of Ritalin. a brand name version of methylphenidate. researchers used the Barkley Side Effects Questionnaire as a tool to monitor the children's behavior. The study was doubleblind: half the children were given Ritalin and half a placebo.

Five of the side effects studied, insomnia, decreased appetite, stomachache, headache, and dizziness increased when the children were given Ritalin. Four behaviors, daydreaming, irritability, anxiety, and nailbiting, all decreased with treatment.

The researchers concluded that the incidence of side effects was small. Most parents of children with ADD will confirm that the improvement in behavior is well worth any minor side effects from the drug.