Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 7/25/2006

Question
Dear Dr
I am troubled by the effects of ritalin on my son.  
1.  He becomes quiet, never sings or dances or displays happiness like he does when he's off medication, but if we give him any less than his current dosage he cannot focus!
2.  On Ritalin he can focus and do homework and things (although too slowly)& off ritalin he does things faster but with very little focus.
2.  I am really worried that through prolonged use of Ritalin, he may lose his ability to feel happy emotions in adulthood.  I read a finding that long term ritalin usage decreases the ability to feel good emotions.  
3.  My son has been taking it for 5years now but school still remains a struggle.  I am not sure if Ritalin is really helping


Answer
Ritalin correctly used has no long term side effects. An optimal dose is essential and should be obtained using rating scales. If he is too quite, the dose may be too much. You do not state how much he takes or when does he take it. More info might enable me to make more comment.