Ritalin information

Ritalin is a prescription drug used to treat attention deficit disorder in adults and children. It controls the chemicals in the brain, that control impulses. This drug is also used to treat a sleep disorder called narcolepsy. The drug has a calming effect on children, it helps them concentrate and reduces their acting out. It is a drug that has a high prescription rate by doctor for children. Over 11 million prescriptions are written every year.

Many doctors believe that Ritalin should be used with behavior modification in treating ADHD. It alone is not an answer to the problem. Although used to treat many children with good results, it should not be used as a long term solution to the problem. This drugs has helped some patients with great success. For others it causes problems like loss of appetite, withdrawal, irritability, to seizures. Many problems arise with large a dose or a child staying too long on the medication.

Ritalin as a short term treatment can be effective. Some doctors prescribe it for preschool children. This is controversial because of the side effects and child's age. Many doctors and parents are against the drug being used in young children. The Association of Educational Psychologists guidelines state it should not be prescribed for long term use in preschool children and not without other therapies. Another problem with the drug being prescribed so much is that some children share the drug with their friends. Some children crush the tablets and snort them to get high.

Some doctors say that Ritalin is prescribed to children that don't have ADHD. It is over prescribed and some children may not need it. When deciding whether to let your child take it , a short term prescription is best. Also, make sure that you use behavior modification and other treatments with it. Monitor yourself or child for side effect ,and if you have problems, call your doctor right away.