How Does Ritalin Work for a Child With ADHD?

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a disorder that is, oddly enough, treated with a drug called Ritalin, a stimulant. Now this may seem very strange that a child with a hyperactivity disorder would be treated with a stimulant drug.

Typically stimulant drugs increase the mental activity and physical activity levels on people who take them making them more alert and active. However, Ritalin, given in the smaller doses that are prescribed for ADHD, has the exact opposite effect.

Ritalin is a methylphenidate and these works by affecting a few of the natural chemicals found in the human brain. Specifically, it increases the levels and activity of two chemicals found in the brain called dopamine and noradrenalin and these can have an effect on controlling not only behavior, but attention levels as well.

Children do not produce these two chemicals as much as adults do and it is believed that the addition of the Ritalin into the system helps stimulate the production of these two chemicals. There is no full understanding why Ritalin works so well for many children who suffer from ADHD because they still don’t work for all children.

Ritalin does have some side effects such as:

1) Drowsiness or dizziness
2) Alcohol should be avoided – this would include medicines containing alcohol
3) After one month, if no improvement it noted, the medicine should be stopped and you should see the doctor again

There are other symptoms but, they are not overly common and are explained fully when a doctor is consulted.

Now, Ritalin is not used for all children with ADHD, it’s not a blanket pill that is a cure all for this disorder. Ritalin is used as a part of a comprehensive program to help treat and deal with the effects of ADHD not only for the child, but the family as well. Treatment normally also includes psychotherapy, counseling and behavioral management classes.

ADHD can be made manageable with the help of Ritalin and a good consistent regimen at home but don’t rely solely on the drug to help the child. The involvement of the whole family is needed to truly help the child with ADHD lead a normal life.