Ritalin and side effects? - ADD / ADHD Message Board

Merrida · 12-11-2002, 03:24 AM

What are the opinions of people here on long-term ritalin use in adults? Side effects?

I've read studies which make it sound like a death drug, and others which state proper use is effective.

People die from aspirin and other properly given meds, but when it occurs from a drug like ritalin it makes the news.

What does everyone else think about this?

Wil · 12-14-2002, 10:26 AM

Hi, I took Ritalin and experienced side effects from this drug. I noticed after a period of 6 or 7 days that my mind and thoughts became very dark and had impulses to do high risk behavior type of activities. I also had a dull ache in the back of my neck.

I have no issues with Meds for adults and combined with a life coach or alternative types of therapy, they can be effective for those having difficulty focusing on the mundane tasks or paperwork issues some of us experience.

I do get concerned giving these types of Meds to children. I am an adult and can recognize when my behavior or thoughts are altered by medication. A young child in my opinion would not have the awareness of this type of change, and of course the results could be disasterous.

I have had better results with Adderoll, but only medicate when I fall behind with paperwork or when I have an unusually high amount of tasks that need to be handled.
Hope this helps... Wil