In the Physicians’ Desk Reference, there is a boxed warning for Ritalin which states, “Frank psychotic episodes may occur . . . Withdrawal following chronic use may unmask symptoms of underlying disorder that may require follow-up.”
Under Warnings/Precautions it states, “Sudden death, stroke, MI (heart attack) reported. May cause treatment-emergent psychotic or manic symptoms in children and adolescents without prior history of psychotic illness or mania at usual doses. Aggressive behavior or hostility reported. May cause growth suppression in children.”
That is just a small part of the warnings. Knowing this, any parent should think very carefully before allowing their child to take any kind of stimulant medication. In fact, any child diagnosed with ADHD should only use a stimulant medication as a last resort.
This means the child has had a full nutritional, hormonal, and toxicity evaluation which includes searching for food allergies. A holistic healthcare provider can help you sort these issues out. It is ludicrous to place a child on a dangerous medication without trying other therapies.