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Ritalin

Recent statements made by the FDA indicate that Ritalin may pose serious risks including sudden death, heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. This announcement was made in February 2006, after 51death reports in patients taking Ritalin or related medications. While no definitive link has been made between these deaths and Ritalin or similar drugs, regulators are carefully monitoring the use of ADHD drugs and evaluating available evidence to assess the dangers of Ritalin side effects.

What is Ritalin?

Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a popular prescription drug used to alleviate the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Ritalin, manufactured by Novartis AG, is a central nervous system stimulant. On the continuum of stimulants, Ritalin is much stronger than caffeine but not as powerful as amphetamines. Ritalin has been a popular drug since it gained FDA approval in 1980.

Who should not take Ritalin?

Ritalin may not be an appropriate treatment for the following reasons:

  • Current or recent use of MAO Inhibitors or other drugs
  • Glaucoma
  • Tics and/or Tourette's syndrome
  • Pre-existing seizure disorder
  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular conditions
  • History of drug or alcohol abuse
  • Certain gastrointestinal conditions
  • Certain psychological conditions

Before starting or stopping Ritalin use, it is crucial to speak with a qualified medical professional.

What are the risks associated with Ritalin?

As with all medications, certain relatively mild side effects are common during use of Ritalin. These common Ritalin side effects can include trouble sleeping, weight loss, stomach problems, dizziness, and more. Ritalin drug labeling indicates that the more serious side effects of Ritalin include:

  • Significant changes in heart rate
  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver damage
  • Drug dependency
  • Psychosis

Recent reports indicate that Ritalin could pose much more serious side effects. Between 1999 and 2003, 16 deaths were reported in patients taking Ritalin or similar medications. Another 30 Ritalin deaths were recorded, but were outside of the study's scope. While the cause of these deaths is unclear, regulators are examining the evidence to determine if there is a link between these sudden deaths and Ritalin.

Have you been injured by Ritalin?

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or death while taking Ritalin and you suspect the drug might have been the cause, please contact us to speak with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your case FREE OF CHARGE to determine the best way to protect your legal rights.

Contact a Ritalin Recall Lawyer

More Ritalin Resources

MedLine Plus Drug Information - Guide to prescription and over-the-counter medications provided by the United States Pharmacopeia.

National Institute on Drug Abuse - Health effects and addiction information on Methylphenidate or Ritalin.