My child has just been diagnosed with ADHD, and the doctor put
him on Ritalin. Are there any side effects I should be concerned
about? - Elena Ritalin is just one of many medications doctors
use to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate, works by allowing
children with ADHD to concentrate and focus at school and at
home. As with other psychostimulants, each child can respond
somewhat differently. Many kids using Ritalin have few, if any,
side effects. Others experience side effects like stomachaches,
insomnia, decreased appetite, growth problems, irritability, and
blood pressure problems. To learn more about ADHD, various
treatments, and possible side effects, talk to your doctor.