Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 3/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: Dear Doctor Levine. I read an Internet webpage which adamantly claimed that ritalin and other stimulants can alter one's brain chemistry and cause full blown anxiety whenever you take them. How do I tell people otherwise and how do I answer people who say your child must not take Ritalin for ADD because chemical imbalances have never been proven? I get really angry with the human race. Thanks

ANSWER: Ritalin does change the chemistry, it boosts Dopamine with is need. It cannot cause anxiery but an anxious person may on rare occasions be made worse. No medication is perfect or without some side effects. However Ritalin if used correctly is a very safe medication. Not all internet programs are accuratre and correct unfortunately!  

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QUESTION: So even if my son has been taking Ritalin for 16 years everyday and is anxious there should not be a problem? Is it also safe for him to take this medicine furthur on into his adulthood if the psychiatrist feels it is ok?

ANSWER: It is not what the doctor say but medical expertise says that ADHD can remain into adulthood and if needed the medication can be used as long as needed. It is safe as long as it is correctly used. There are NO long term side effects to the correct use of Ritalin.  

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QUESTION: That makes much more sense than what I have heard.As a final question. Is Tourette, Generalized Anxiety and Obessive Compulsive Disorder a usual part of ADHD and can they be treated safely with Ritalin and meds for GAD and OCD. His Tourette has disappeared for now thank God but my biggest confusion and problem I am having is that my son seems to have 3 different problems in one and it is so hard to deal with.

Answer
It is possible for a child to have more than one condition. (eg ADHD and Tourettes).Sometimes neglect and ineffective treatment will precipitate another condition (ADHD and ODD). Sometimes medical opinion can be wrong (not treating ADHD with stimulants because of Tourettes.) Currently both can be treated each with its own medication. Your biggest problem is not your confusion but the ineffective advice  you are getting about your son's diagnosis and treatment.If you had all the needed information there would be less need to keep asking questions on the internet. You must ask your treating doctor to inform you fully or get a second opinion.