side effects

[mjlin]

my son was diagnosed with adhd and put on ritalin la i just read that it could cause sudden death if the child had heart problems when he was an infant he had rsv they weren't certain but when they were checking his lungs and heart they had said he might have mitral valve prolapse the couldn't tell for sure because of the fluid from the rsv could this be a problem with the ritalin should i be concerned thank

[janewhite1]

I'm not super concerned myself, but I would definitely ask the doctor who prescribed the drug. He might want to do some sort of exam on your son, just to make sure it's ok.

[Jennita]

Anything that triggers elevated heart rate would effect Mitral Valve prolapse, this includes stimulates like Ritalin, decongestants and even coffee. I don't think it could be fatal but who knows, it sure might make his mitral valve symptoms much worse though.