http://www.chiropracticresearch.org/NEWSRitalindangers.htm
Ritalin effects questioned
"US panel calls for research into effects of Ritalin". This is the title of an
article appearing in the December 5th 1998 issue of the British Medical
Journal. The article goes on to say that the National Institutes for Health
consensus panel called for "urgent clarification of the diagnosis of attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder, (ADHD) and research into the long term effects
of treatment with Ritalin." This article typifies a growing trend of scientific
and commentary articles revealing the dangers of using Ritalin.
Prescriptions for Ritalin have increased six-fold over the past ten years,
raising the question of over-diagnosis and treatment. Peter R. Breggin, M.D., a
psychiatrist and editor-in-Chief of a professional journal entitled Ethical
Human Sciences and Services, lists several disturbing facts about Ritalin and
its dangerous effects.
Decreased blood flow to the brain, an effect recently shown to be caused by
cocaine where it is associated with impaired thinking ability and memory loss.
Disruption of growth hormone, leading to suppression of growth in the body and
brain of the child
Permanent neurological tics, including Tourette’s Syndrome
Addiction and abuse, including withdrawal reactions on a daily basis
Psychosis (mania), depression, insomnia, agitation, and social withdrawal
Possible shrinkage (atrophy) or other permanent physical abnormalities in the
brain
Worsening of the very symptoms the drug is supposed to improve including
hyperactivity and inattention
Decreased ability to learn
An organization of concerned parents has formed called PARENTS AGAINST RITALIN
(PAR). They have a web site, which can be found at: www.p-a-r.org . This web
site host valuable information on the subject of Ritalin. The following excerpt
was taken from their web site, "According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency,
Ritalin is considered a Class II Drug and a controlled substance, a fact not
widely known. Other drugs in this category are those such as cocaine,
methamphetamine and methadone. A drug becomes a controlled substance when it
has the potential for abuse and /or addiction. It is not uncommon in many
classrooms today to find the percentage of children on Ritalin to be 25% or
greater and the numbers are climbing."
The following was excerpted are from the 42nd Edition of the Physicians' Desk
Reference®*, on the drug Ritalin®:
WARNINGS
Ritalin should NOT be used in children under six years,
Uh hum,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Ritalin shoul NOT be used in children under siax years
since safety and efficacy in this age group have not been established.
Sufficient data on safety and efficacy of long-term use of Ritalin in children
are not yet available. Although a casual relationship has not been established,
suppression of growth (i.e., weight gain, and/or height) has been reported with
the long-term use of stimulants in children. Therefore, patients requiring
long-term therapy should be carefully monitored.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Nervousness and insomnia are the most common adverse reactions but are usually
controlled by reducing dosage and omitting the drug in the afternoon or
evening. Other reactions include hypersensitivity (including skin rash,
urticaria, fever, arthralgia, exfoliative dermatitis, erythema multiforme with
histopathological findings of necrotizing vasculitis, and thrombocytopenic
purpura); anorexia; nausea; dizziness; palpitations; headache; dyskinesia;
drowsiness; blood pressure and pulse changes, both up and down; tachycardia;
angina; cardiac arrhythmia; abdominal pain; weight loss during prolonged
therapy. There have been rare reports of Tourette's syndrome. Toxic psychosis
has been reported. Although a definite casual relationship has not been
established, the following have been reported in patients taking this drug:
leukopenia and/or anemia; a few instances of scalp hair loss. In children, loss
of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss during prolonged therapy, insomnia,
and tachycardia may occur more frequently; however, any of the other adverse
reactions listed above may also occur.