RITALIN | ADHD Information

My son is on ritalin and i've read about heart problems caused from takig ritalin i'm a little scared as my son needs to be medicated but i don't want to cause him anymore problems or even worse death. please help

Welcome to the board. You will find help and support through this journey.

With the exagerated and sensationalist reports on this med, it complecates the decisions parents sometimes have to make on treatment of thier children.

Ritalin does not cause heart disorders. It is posible that it may cause someone with a pre-existing heart condition problems. It is recommended to have an EKG done before starting meds to be cautious. The deaths that are sometimes cited as a result of ritalin (by anti-med and anti-psychiatry groups) were found to be due to pre-existing heart conditions, and the rate is a the same rate as the non-medicated public. Look at it as an opportunity to get an EKG done (easy and non-invasive). Tylenol and caffeine are harder on the body than ritalin is. The bigger concern would be possible abuse of the med rather than the use as prescribed. Many of the long acting formulations make abuse extremely unlikely.

The more common issues with this med that has been used for more than 50 years is weight issues, appetite suppression, headaches and moodiness. These can be either dealt with or meds switched to a different type.

Learn as much as you can (from reliable sources) so you can take an active role with the doctor in the medical care of your son.

Here is a start:

http://www.myadhd.com/treatment_tools/medicationchart.html

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/childhp/mtaqa.cfm

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm#treat

vickie39114.8423842593

 my daughter is on ritalin as well, the short acting form currently.  it's a much better med for her than adderal was.  less side effects for sure! 

every person responds to meds differently.  but, my dd is better off on ritalin than she was without-in my humble opinion.  our household is running much more smoothly.  and her grades have improved a bit as well:)  her teacher says she is now *with the class* in discussions now.  yeah:)

it's not an easy choice to make, read and educate yourself and go with your gut:)

 

hugs,

shelley

 

My son is on Ritalin LA and it works well. We only have problems when his Dad has custody and takes him off it for the weekend. Then when I pick him up he has been without it for almost two days and then has a hard time adjusting and functioning in my household which includes his stepdad and two stepbrothers. When he is on the meds all week long he seems to mingle with this side of the family much better. Are there any medical reasons I can use to convince his Dad to give it to him all the time? Mikey' Mom

Are you on good terms with your son's father?  If not, I am unsure if he will care enough that you are experiencing these issues after you pick your son up from his visitation.  If you are on good terms, try to talk to him and explain your concerns.

Failing that, I would ask the doctor for a short acting ritalin to give to your son as soon as you pick him up from his father's house....bring a drink along and give it to him in the car, so it can begin to work on the way home...I am assuming that you get him back in the early evening on Sunday...Then it will only last 2-3 hours and get him through the evening with hopefully less issues interacting with your family.

That may be the easiest way to solve your problem, to take your son's father totally out of the medication picture.

Hope this helps...

When he was diagnosed an EKG should have been done, then you would know of any underlying heart problems that could be exacerbated by the Ritalin.If one was not done then get one done to be sure!