Is Ritalin Safe?

QUESTION:

Hello.

I have a 8 yr old boy with attention deficit and hyper active. He is currently taking Ritalin. I now hear of a boy who died as a result of prolonged use of it. I am very scared. Can you please help me? He has been on it 1 yr, and goes to a special school. He’s doing pretty good, as can be expected. He has bad behavior still at times.

Thank you.

ANSWER:

You actually brought up a number of points.

First regarding safety. Except for severe overdoses, allergic reactions, and "sudden death" - which happens to people (especially athletes) without warning - Ritalin is considered to be an extremely safe medication. One of my children and a step-child takes it - and I wouldn’t want them to be off it. Nothing is absolutely safe - including talking on the telephone, using electricity, or driving a car. The question is one of risks against the benefits. Ritalin is an extremely low risk medication, and the risks of not using it are a 1/3-1/2 increased risk of substance abuse, 20% higher risk of auto accidents, damage to the self-esteem and social skills, and a significantly higher risk of poor academic and work performance, divorces, and being placed in jail.

The only long term effects on Ritalin listed in the literature are a reduction in cancer risk, substance abuse, and accidents.

Ritalin does not improve behavior. It improves attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. It allows for improvements in behavioral management because they can pay attention better and think before acting. Other diagnoses may be present, including childhood bipolar or other diagnoses. They should all addressed and treated comprehensively. The affirmations may be of help as well.