Ritalin is used primarily in the treatment of attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  Before prescription, it is important that the patient undergo a complete psychological, medical, and social evaluation.  Diagnosis must be based on a complete history of the child and not solely on a few symptoms, so as not to misdiagnose.  Too frequently are quick, inaccurate diagnoses made.
 A relationship between Ritalin use and stunted growth in children has been noticed, however not yet medically proven.  Additionally, Ritalin has not proven to be effective in children under the age of 6.  For these reasons, it is not recommended to prescribe Ritalin for children not yet of school age.
 

 With long term use, Ritalin can have some significant side effects including:

•  Weight loss due to decreased appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain (can lead to malnutrition)
•  Nervousness, insomnia
•  Changes in blood pressure (usually an increase)
•  Dizziness, heart palpitations, headaches
•  Allergic skin rashes
•  Toxic psychosis, drug dependence syndrome
•  Severe depression upon withdrawal

•  Tremors and muscle twitching
•  Fevers, convulsions, severe headaches
•  Irregular heartbeat and respiration
•  Anxiety
•  Paranoia, hallucinations
•  Formication
•  Death is not common