Ritalin (methylphenidate): Reviews and patient testimonials

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Medication indications

Ritalin

Ritalin is indicated as a part of a comprehensive treatment programme for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6 years of age and over when remedial measures alone prove insufficient. Treatment must be under the supervision of a specialist in childhood behavioural disorders. Diagnosis should be made according to DSM-IV criteria or the guidelines in ICD and should be based on a complete history and evaluation of the patient. Diagnosis cannot be made solely on the presence of one or more symptom.

The specific aetiology of this syndrome is unknown, and there is no single diagnostic test. Adequate diagnosis requires the use of medical and specialised psychological, educational and social resources.

A comprehensive treatment programme, typically includes psychological, educational and social measures as well as pharmacotherapy and is aimed at stabilising children with a behavioural syndrome characterised by symptoms which may include chronic history of short attention span, distractibility, emotional lability, impulsivity, moderate to severe hyperactivity, minor neurological signs and abnormal EEG. Learning may or may not be impaired.

Methylphenidate treatment is not indicated in all children with this syndrome and the decision to use the drug must be based on a very thorough assessment of the severity and the chronicity of the child's symptoms in relation to the child's age.

Appropriate educational placement is essential, and psychosocial intervention is generally necessary. Where remedial measures alone prove insufficient, the decision to prescribe a stimulant must be based on rigorous assessment of the severity of the child's symptoms. The use of methylphenidate should always be used in the way according to the licensed indication and according to the prescribing/diagnostics guidelines.


Molecule: methylphenidate

Patients' opinions on Ritalin

In brief

General satisfaction level: 7.33/10 Learn more

Treatment's effectiveness: 6.33/10 Learn more

Ease of use: 8.33/10 Learn more

Adherence to prescription: 8.00/10 Learn more

Detected side effects: 3.00/10 Learn more

Improvement in the quality of life: 8.00/10 Learn more

1 = Not at all satisfied
10 = Extremely satisfied

1 = Not at all satisfied
10 = Extremely satisfied

1 = Not at all satisfied
10 = Extremely satisfied

1 = Never
10 = Always

1 = Not at all important
10 = Extremely important

1 = Not at all satisfied
10 = Extremely satisfied

Tips and advice of the community


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Liamk01
on 22/03/2019

I found non addictive alternatives such as Omega 3 to be more effective.

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StumpyDavies
on 24/02/2019

Try to ensure your treatment is not interrupted, ensure you keep good open communication with your prescriber, find what works best for you, every person reacts differently, I have to eat before, not because I have no appetite, but so my appetite is partially satisfied before treatment, as unlike most people, Ritalin increases my appetite.

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StumpyDavies
on 24/02/2019

Ok in brief, Ritalin works, my concentration is not so impaired, however the addiction potential is an issue, if I try to go more than 12 hours without Ritalin, I sweat profusely, I shake, and find myself uncontrollably nervous, and preoccupied, so if my medication is interrupted for any reason, it poses me a big problem, travel with my medication outside of the UK is a nightmare, as different countries treat the medication differently, and categorise it differently, there are several countries I can not go to because I rely on my medication.

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Liamk01
on 24/11/2018

I'm still at the early stages but I've started a Diploma course and have found my powers of attention and retention have improved.

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