Bipolar - ADHD - Facing the Unacceptable Side Effects of Ritalin

Ritalin, also known as methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH), is prescribed for ADHD not bipolar disorder, yet people with bipolar disorder may be on Ritalin due to having been diagnosed with ADHD also. Bipolar Disorder and ADHD are generally closely related but are separate diagnoses and usually are treated accordingly.

However, these disorders are often co-existing conditions, that is existing at the same time. In this case, physicians normally treat the disorder that is causing the most impairment in someone's life first and once it is under control will treat the other as a secondary disorder.

Children labeled ADHD are often prescribed Ritalin. But there are considerable dangers to methylphenidate. According to an October 20, 1995 Drug Enforcement Administration bulletin: Abuse of MPH (Methylphenidate) can lead to marked tolerance and severe psychic dependence. Ritalin may be cancer- causing.¹

And according to research testing, this nasty drug is classified in the group of amphetamine and amphetamine-type drugs. Amphetamines are stimulants, more commonly known as "speed."

Methylphenidate is classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II substance-- in the same category as morphine, opium, methedone, and Dexedrine, Desoxyn, Preludin, Percodan, Dilaudid and Demoral. Ritalin is, chemically quite similar to the highly addictive drug cocaine, classified in the same group of amphetamines.

Despite the fact that the psychiatric industry is well aware of how dangerous MPH is, many practitioners continue to prescribed to children even as young as two years old. Ritalin has been used on children for more than two decades and is currently being produced and prescribed for children at an increasing rate. And yet, recent manufacturer informations states that "Sufficient data on safety and efficacy of long-term use of MPH in children are not yet available."

The following list of very serious adverse reactions to Ritalin mentioned in the Physician's Desk Reference may give you a clue as to why responsible doctors are taking a stand against Methylphenidate hydrochloride.

Fortunately, ethical psychiatrists, who are aware of the devastating side effects of MPH, are speaking out. Dr. Breggins is one of them who is taking a stand against Ritalin before Congress.

The Physician's Desk Reference lists very serious adverse reactions to methylphenidate and warnings about its use:

1. Cardiovascular Adverse effects include increase in palpitations, tachyeardia and increased blood pressure:
2. Central Nervous System (CNS) Adverse effects include: CNS stimilation, Psychosis, Dizziness, Insomnia, Headache, Nervousness, Irritability, Tics and other abnormal involunary movements known as Tourette's Syndrome (a permanent and irreversible damaging of the nerve and muscle system that results in the uncontrollable muscle tics and barking sounds):
3. Gastrointestinal Adverse effects include Anorexia, Nausea, Vomiting, Stomach cramps or pain:
4. Endocrine/metabolic Adverse effects include Weight loss, growth suppression:
5. Other Adverse effects include Leukopenia, Blurred Vision, Withdrawal, Jaundice, Anemia.

Dexedrine, Ritalin, Cylert are registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers. Cylert is under stricter control now by the Drug Enforcement Agency due to marked increase in liver damage in patients using the drug.

Let me add, "that medical experts agree that these drugs do help the small percentage of children who need them. But there is also strong evidence that the drugs have been greatly over prescribed in some parts of the country as a panacea for behavior problems. I believe these drugs have been over-promoted, over-marketed, and over-sold, resulting in profits of some $450 million annually."²

No wonder physicians promote Ritalin rather than the omega - 3 fatty acids, there's no money to be made in nature's own products. How sad we have become.

"Using a technique called positron emission tomography or PET, researchers at Brookhaven's Center for Imaging and Neurosciences studied dopamine levels of 11 male subjects. The results showed that brain dopamine levels increased significantly approximately 60 minutes following ingestion of the drug as compared to the placebo."³

Increasing the dopamine levels is good. It allows for clearer mind, shuts out "out side noises" enabling individuals to focus more clearly. But the same can be obtained with omega 3 fatty acids with no side effects.

Which do you choose for your child, for yourself? Man made drugs or God's natural remedy? If your choice is Ritalin, please click here. If you choose God's way please click here for info on "Nature's Ritalin."

Bon Voyage,

Dr. Cares™

Catherine Sinclair, PhD., uses the trade name Dr. Cares™. She is a licensed pastoral counselor. The information contained in this website is not to be taken as a substitute for professional advice from your qualified medical "practitioner."

The author of this website is not an M.D. and therefore must post this required FDA disclaimer. None of the statements, self testing, nor recommended alternatives to overcoming bipolar symptoms have been evaluated by the FDA. Therefore, the tested and proven experiences, testimonies, supplements and alternative and natural therapies are for informational purposes only and does not purport to prescribe, diagnose or cure any mental or physical condition.

Though as a licensed counselor she does advise her clients to be informed and involved in the recovery of their physical, spiritual and mental health. The above information has transformed many lives and the same can happen for you, but you alone are responsible for the decisions you make concerning all aspects of your health.

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1. Volume 4, Number 9/ The Doctors' Prescription for Healthy Living.

2.Statement of the Drug Enforcement Administration made by Mr. Gene R. Haislip, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Diversion Control, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Department of Justice, Washington, DC. at the conclusion of the Conference of Stimulant Use in the Treatment of ADHD in San Antonio, December 10-12, 1996.

3. The U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory News Release by Peter Genzer January 16, 2001.

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