Ritalin
Does your child need Ritalin? KixCare can help your child get prescribed within minutes. Medications are only prescribed when the doctor determines appropriate and safe for your children’s medical needs.
Prescriptions written by qualified Pediatricians at no extra cost.
KixCare Pediatricians can prescribe medications online where deemed medically necessary and appropriate after an assessment. Simply indicate your preferred pharmacy when booking your appointment and your Pediatrician will send a secure fax directly to that pharmacy with details on the medication name, formulation, dosage, frequency, and duration.
Please note: not all KixCare Pediatricians may be comfortable prescribing all types of medication. KixCare Pediatricians may refer your child to in-person care in cases where diagnoses cannot be confirmed online.
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FAQs
Methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, is a stimulant medication used to treat children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It works by stimulating the nervous system and calming brain activity down which makes it easier to focus.
Ritalin is a form of medicine used to treat ADHD in both children and adults, increasing your ability to pay attention and focus. It also decreases the tendency for impulsive behavior by curbing sleepiness - hence its use on narcolepsy sufferers too!
Ritalin should be taken by mouth as directed and usually given 2-3 times per day, and 30-45 minutes before eating; however, the dosage will depend on the condition of your child's ADHD and how they react to it. Your doctor may need to adjust their dosage regularly depending on changes with your child's symptoms or progress while taking Ritalin for ADHD treatment.
Parents should observe their children see if any of the following side effects are present:
Difficulty sleeping (especially if medication is taken later in the day)
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
Dizziness and headaches
Nausea/vomiting
Fainting
Seizures
Heart attack (unusual perspiration, chest pain, difficulty breathing)
Symptoms of a stroke (slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body)
Painful/prolonged erections (young boys/teens; lasting 4+ hours)
Your doctor might prescribe a more likely medication to produce side effects than help, which means they will only do so if it's worth the risk. If you experience any of these serious symptoms while taking this drug, contact your physician immediately and keep on doing until the problem resolves itself or gets worse.
Ritalin is not suitable for everyone, and seek medical advice if your child:
Is allergic to methylphenidate hydrochloride
Is taking or has taken in the last 14 days a medication called MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor)
Has heart problems or a family history of heart issues
Has mental health issues including depression, mania, bipolar illness, or psychosis
Has glaucoma or a family history of Tourette’s syndrome
Children under the age of 6 should not take this medication.