Methylphenidate – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Wednesday, September 05, 2018 by Ralph Flores

Methylphenidate (Brand name: Ritalin) is a drug used to stimulate the central nervous system, in particular, the part that is responsible for impulse control and hyperactivity. It’s used to treat conditions such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy.

Methylphenidate is known to be habit-forming. In the Controlled Substances Act, methylphenidate is a Schedule 2 drug, which indicates its high potential for abuse. Patients who have had instances of drug or alcohol abuse should consult with their healthcare professional before starting treatment.

Methylphenidate is classified as a stimulant, a type of drug that increases the risk of dying from high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

For those with a history of depression or other mental disorders, the use of methylphenidate increases the risk of psychosis.

People with the following conditions are discouraged from using methylphenidate:

Glaucoma
Muscle twitches (includes those with a personal or family history of the condition)
Tourette’s syndrome
Severe anxiety, tension, or agitation

Known health risks or side effects of methylphenidate

Common side effects of methylphenidate include:

Mood changes
Feeling nervous or irritable
Insomnia and other sleep problems
Increase heart rate and blood pressure
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Nausea
Stomach pain
Headaches

Consult with a healthcare professional if the following symptoms are seen:

A severe allergic reaction – difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face
Signs of heart problems – chest pain, the feeling that you’ll be passing out
Psychosis – hallucinations, hostility, aggression, paranoia
Circulation problems – numbness, pain, feeling cold, changes in skin color in the extremities
Convulsions
Muscle twitches
Changes in vision
For men, a painful erection that lasts for more than four hours

Body systems that might be affected by methylphenidate

The side effects of methylphenidate harm the nervous, respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to methylphenidate

People looking for natural alternatives to methylphenidate can turn to gotu kola and green oats to increase blood flow, enhance brain function, and relax the nerves. In addition, ginseng can increase a person’s ability to concentrate, while relieving fatigue and reducing stress.

Treatments, management options for the side effects of methylphenidate

To people experiencing the side effects of methylphenidate, the following tips are simple methods to minimize it.

Headaches. This indicates that a person is deficient in certain minerals. Have him eat a balanced diet, especially one that has magnesium and B vitamins.
Decreased appetite. Eat healthy calorie-dense snacks during peak appetite times. These include apples or bananas, or even a hard-boiled egg.
Sleep problems. Establish a bedtime routine. This includes settling down at least half an hour before sleeping or transitioning to more quiet activities.

Where to learn more

Summary

Methylphenidate is used to stimulate the central nervous system, in particular, to treat ADD, ADHD, and narcolepsy.

Methylphenidate is habit-forming, and patients who with instances of drug or alcohol abuse should consult with their healthcare professional prior to treatment.

Methylphenidate is a stimulant, a drug which increases the risk of dying from high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

Methylphenidate harms the nervous, respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems.

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