What Should Teachers & Parents Know About Ritalin?
Ritalin is usually thought of as the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder drug. It's a stimulant that alters the chemicals in the brain to decrease impulsive behavior. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, his doctor has likely suggested Ritalin to help manage his symptoms so he can function more normally. Before you heed your doctor's advice, gather the facts about Ritalin so you can determine if it's right for your child.
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Function
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Ritalin is a brand name for methylphenidate, which is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system. The medication interferes with the chemicals in a child's brain to reduce impulsive behavior and hyperactivity, according to Drugs.com. It works by encouraging your child's brain neurotransmitters to communicate more effectively. When this occurs, your child has an easier time concentrating and is often more organized and calm, too. Ritalin is primarily used to treat attention deficit disorders, but it's also used as a treatment for narcolepsy, which is an uncontrolled need to sleep.
Dosage
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The exact amount of Ritalin your child gets depends on his age and symptoms, and you should always follow a doctor's prescription. According to KidsHealth, children under the age of 6 shouldn't take Ritalin at all, and children over the age of 6 should only take it under the supervision of a doctor. The HealthyChildren website notes that the average recommendation for Ritalin is two or three doses a day, and children shouldn't exceed 60 milligrams in a 24-hour period. Don't offer your child additional doses or larger doses than prescribed by his doctor. If you don't believe the medication is working properly, speak with your child's pediatrician, but don't alter the dosage or discontinue giving it to your child without physician approval.
Side Effects
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Thought most children don't experience problems when taking Ritalin, some children can have mild side effects such as nausea, stomachache, decreased appetite, sleep problems and irritability. According to MayoClinic.com, more serious side effects include a rapid heart beat, chest pain, joint pain, skin rash and blood pressure problems. If your child has heart problems, cystic fibrosis or high blood pressure, Ritalin might be more dangerous. Always speak with your child's doctor before using Ritalin if he has any of these health problems so an appropriate and safe alternate medication can be prescribed.
Teacher Considerations
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The effects of a Ritalin dose last between three and five hours, according to HealthyChildren.org. Talk to your child's teacher about the behavior changes that might occur as your child's dose wears off toward the end of the school day. If your child needs to take a dose of Ritalin during school hours, tell her teacher what time she needs it and the exact dose. While the teacher won't be permitted to administer the medication, she does need to know what the dose is so she can ensure that your child gets the right amount at the right time. Your child's teacher also needs to understand that Ritalin isn't a magic cure for academic difficulties and behavior problems, and that it will take time for your child to make improvements.
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