What are the effects of Ritalin on the brain?

September 8, 2017. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, like Ritalin and Adderall, have been extensively studied and found to be safe — in the short-term. For the most part, however, their long-term effects on the human brain are not well understood. read more

Ritalin is a curious drug in that it is classified as a stimulant, yet the brain effects of Ritalin in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of calming. If people without attention deficit take Ritalin, the brain effects are similar to mild stimulant: increased alertness, attentiveness and concentration. read more

FRIDAY, May 31 (HealthDay News) -- Ritalin activates specific areas of the brain in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder , mimicking the brain activity of children without the condition, a new review says. read more

When placed together, the three studies implied that the long-term side effects of Ritalin include both the onset of clinical depression and potential brain injury to the frontal lobes. As reported in The New York Times, three million children in this country take drugs for ADHD. read more