Ritalin

[Joan]

Originally posted by Court
have to agree with you... (not sure why it's refered to as a "stimulant" - that's just what it's called)... the child must be diagnosed first - never go for one opinion - get several before you start anyform of prescription drug. Like Joan said... children that are "busy as bees" can be diagnosed incorrectly!

Court, methylphenidate is classified as a central nervous stimulatant, but in children with ADHD, it has the opposite effect, that is why I mentioned the paradox.... but then, most children react differently to medicines than adults, one will often find that an antihistamine that is supposed to cause drowsiness in an adult, will stimulate a child.
I do think that Ritalin is over used, if it does assist the child as sunny said in her posting, then it is a different matter, but so many teachers nowdays demand that children should be put on Ritalin. I find it quite shocking and try to conivince the parents to get a more informed opinion before giving their children Ritalin.