Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 9/16/2006

Question
Dr Billy Levin,

  I have a question about Ritalin and long-term effects. Does it permanently alter the chemicals in one's brain? I hear of people not needing to take it in later years, but I feel a little uneasy if it changes my brain permanently. I do like the medication, but I'm afraid it might take away my positive qualities of ADD if it does alter my brain forever. I read in some study that the white matter matures more in those that are exposed to Ritalin longer, and so it seems to change anatomical features. It doesn't stifle my creativity, but I don't know if it'll take anything I like about my ADD in the future. Just some thoughts [I know there are a lot of rumors about ADD medication, so it's hard to know what to believe these days]! I take 10mg of brand name Ritalin three times daily if this helps.

Sincerely,
Allyson

Answer
ADHD is an immaturity of the left hemisphere of the brain. We are born with a visual right brain that can see but not a language left brain that can talk. We aquire language as the less dominant left brain becomes dominant in time. Using a stimulant like Ritalin artificially boosts the left brain as an artificial crutch until natural maturity does it permanently. Unfortunately this may take years and does not always mature completely. So some outgrow ADHD to some extent and some do not. Stimulant medication used correctly has no long term side effects whatsoever.It certainly cannot alter or reduce positive talent or personality. A fully developed area of brain produces sufficient neurotransmitter to function correctly. An immature area needs  a stimulant to assist it to produce more until maturity takes over.ADHD people mature later than others.