It seems that this could be giving many parents a fake illusion that their child's problems have nothing to do with their home environment or with their performance as parents. So what are these "miracle medical" drugs and how do they work?
             The most common prescriptions consist of methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine (Adderall), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), methylphenidate (Concerta), and pemoline (Cylert). All of which are psychotimulants that have similar effects on the brain. Methylphenidate hydrochloride USP, also known as Ritalin, is the most common drug used to treat attention disorders. While it's generic counterpart, methyphenidate, produced by MD Pharmaceuticals, is also quite popular. While it is not still completely understood, methylphenidate presumably activates the brain stem arousal system and cortex to produce its stimulant effect. Thus far very few unwanted effects have been determined, both immediate and long term. Some of methyphenidate short term effects have consisted of lower heart rates and raising of the blood pressure. These changes have not been found to be significant, either in short or long term. Complaint of abdominal distress have also been reported, but that is the case wi!
             th almost all medications in pill form. Other effects include decreased appetite, trouble falling asleep, nervousness, hypersensitivity, headache, nausea, dizziness etc. While some of it's more concerning yet rare effects include things like the unmasking of tics or the more serious condition, Tourette's syndrome. Other concerns include fornication, abnormal liver function and scalp hair loss? Consequently, Dexedrine and Adderall share similar effects - both negative and positive- with Ritalin (methyphenidate). So what is the problem?
             The problem continues to be that we do not "really" know the long term effects of these drugs, but shouldn't we be concerned with giving our kids drugs that are being compared to cocaine...