The Ritalin Quiz

Sorry, but this statement is false. Children with ADHD who take Ritalin or other medications are no more or less likely to try, abuse, or become addicted to drugs later in life than any other individual. There's no evidence that taking stimulant medication to treat ADHD causes addiction or an increase in taking medication as an adult.

Children don't become addicted to Ritalin, but any medication can be abused. It's a safe medication when taken as directed and at normal prescription dosages. Ritalin can be a serious health risk, however, when crushed and snorted or injected into the body. Adolescents taking Ritalin may be pressured by friends to share the medication for recreational use. Parents and schools need to keep close control over students' access to medication. Students should not be carrying the medication with them. Parents should distribute the medication when their children take it at home. Teachers should find out what their school's policy is on the distribution of medication.

You're right! Children with ADHD who take Ritalin or other medications are no more or less likely to try, abuse, or become addicted to drugs later in life than any other individual. There's no evidence that taking stimulant medication to treat ADHD causes addiction or an increase in taking medication as an adult.

Children don't become addicted to Ritalin, but any medication can be abused. It's a safe medication when taken as directed and at normal prescription dosages. Ritalin can be a serious health risk, however, when crushed and snorted or injected into the body. Adolescents taking Ritalin may be pressured by friends to share the medication for recreational use. Parents and schools need to keep close control over students' access to medication. Students should not be carrying the medication with them. Parents should distribute the medication when their children take it at home. Teachers should find out what their school's policy is on the distribution of medication.

Sorry, but this statement is false. While research shows that growth is sometimes slow while your child is taking Ritalin, it doesn't support the claim that Ritalin stops growth altogether. It's important to look at members of your family before deciding that Ritalin is keeping your child from growing. If members of your family are shorter than average, it's reasonable to speculate that your child's growth rate may be slow. It's important to remember that children are individuals who grow and mature at their own speed.

You're right! While research shows that growth is sometimes slow while your child is taking Ritalin, it doesn't support the claim that Ritalin stops growth altogether. It's important to look at members of your family before deciding that Ritalin is keeping your child from growing. If members of your family are shorter than average, it's reasonable to speculate that your child's growth rate may be slow. It's important to remember that children are individuals who grow and mature at their own speed.

You're right! This statement is true for most children. According to researchers, this side effect usually diminishes after the first few weeks of taking Ritalin. If the side effect remains, you should give your child his medication during or after meals.

Scheduling the medication at mealtime should work because Ritalin has a 30- to 60-minute onset. For example, your child would take medication at 7:30 with breakfast, at 11:30 with lunch, and at 3:30 after school, which is long enough before a 5:30 or 6:00 dinner not to affect appetite.

Many parents don't give any medication after school unless their child has a lot of homework or there is a special function. Keep in mind that not eating can cause a child to be irritable and tired, which is often mistaken as a rebound effect of Ritalin. You should work with your child's physician to adjust medication and food schedules before deciding to discontinue Ritalin.

Sorry, but this statement is true for most children. According to researchers, this side effect usually diminishes after the first few weeks of taking Ritalin. If the side effect remains, you should give your child his medication during or after meals.

Scheduling the medication at mealtime should work because Ritalin has a 30- to 60-minute onset. For example, your child would take medication at 7:30 with breakfast, at 11:30 with lunch, and at 3:30 after school, which is long enough before a 5:30 or 6:00 dinner not to affect appetite.

Many parents don't give any medication after school unless their child has a lot of homework or there is a special function. Keep in mind that not eating can cause a child to be irritable and tired, which is often mistaken as a rebound effect of Ritalin. You should work with your child's physician to adjust medication and food schedules before deciding to discontinue Ritalin.

Sorry, but this statement is true. Once Ritalin has dissipated, or left the body, some parents have reported that their child is more hyperactive than before the medication and has trouble falling asleep. This "rebound effect" can be managed effectively without discontinuing the medication. To eliminate insomnia, you can:

• Give your child another dose of medication before bedtime to calm her overactivity, or
• Discontinue or cut in half your child's last daily dose.

To help with the increased hyperactivity, try giving your child a third or fourth daily dose that is half of the morning or afternoon dose. Your child's physician needs to be consulted before adjusting prescribed dosages.

You're right! This statement is true. Once Ritalin has dissipated, or left the body, some parents have reported that their child is more hyperactive than before the medication and has trouble falling asleep. This "rebound effect" can be managed effectively without discontinuing the medication. To eliminate insomnia, you can:

• Give your child another dose of medication before bedtime to calm her overactivity, or
• Discontinue or cut in half your child's last daily dose.

To help with the increased hyperactivity, try giving your child a third or fourth daily dose that is half of the morning or afternoon dose. Your child's physician needs to be consulted before adjusting prescribed dosages.

You're right! This statement is true. To eliminate these side effects, your child's physician should begin administering Ritalin at a low dose and increase the dosage as the side effects diminish. If your child is already on a high dose of Ritalin, the doctor should try decreasing the dosage. In some instances, these side effects may actually be allergic reactions to dye in the Ritalin tablet. If these side effects persist, your doctor should prescribe a different medication.

Sorry, but this statement is true. To eliminate these side effects, your child's physician should begin administering Ritalin at a low dose and increase the dosage as the side effects diminish. If your child is already on a high dose of Ritalin, the doctor should try decreasing the dosage. In some instances, these side effects may actually be allergic reactions to dye in the Ritalin tablet. If these side effects persist, your doctor should prescribe a different medication.

You're right! Children with a family history of tic disorder or Tourette's syndrome are more likely to develop tics when taking Ritalin. Researchers have reported that 1 percent of children with ADHD may develop a tic disorder. To alleviate this side effect, your child's physician can decrease the dosage of medication or change to a different medication.

Sorry, but this statement is true. Children with a family history of tic disorder or Tourette's syndrome are more likely to develop tics when taking Ritalin. Researchers have reported that 1 percent of children with ADHD may develop a tic disorder. To alleviate this side effect, your child's physician can decrease the dosage of medication or change to a different medication.

Sorry, but this statement is false. Research suggests that Ritalin may lower the seizure threshold in children with a seizure disorder. However, according to E. D. Copeland, author of Medications for Attention Disorders (ADHD/ADD) and Related Medical Problems (Tourette's Syndrome, Sleep Apnea, Seizure Disorders: A Comprehensive Handbook), it is common practice for Ritalin to be used with seizure medication for these particular children. Ritalin doesn't cause a child to have seizures.

Sorry, but this statement is false. However, Ritalin may cause a slight increase in your child's heart rate and blood pressure. This doesn't necessarily mean that you need to discontinue the medication. If your child is already diagnosed with high blood pressure, then your doctor can prescribe Clonidine, an antihypertensive medication. Clonidine has been found to be effective with some children with ADHD.

You're right! However, Ritalin may cause a slight increase in your child's heart rate and blood pressure. This doesn't necessarily mean that you need to discontinue the medication. If your child is already diagnosed with high blood pressure, then your doctor can prescribe Clonidine, an antihypertensive medication. Clonidine has been found to be effective with some children with ADHD.

Sorry, but this statement is false. Ritalin doesn't cause depression in children. However, if a child is suffering from depression, taking Ritalin can exacerbate the symptoms. If your child becomes sad, tearful, or "touchy" after starting treatment with Ritalin, this may be a sign that the dosage is too high. Lowering the dose should diminish this side effect.

You're right! Ritalin doesn't cause depression in children. However, if a child is suffering from depression, taking Ritalin can exacerbate the symptoms. If your child becomes sad, tearful, or "touchy" after starting treatment with Ritalin, this may be a sign that the dosage is too high. Lowering the dose should diminish this side effect.