AboutDr Billy Levin Expertise All questions related to medical diagnosis ,treatment ,councilling ,remediation and monitoring medication in ADHD and co morbid conditions.
Experience
Past/Present clients Mainly children, some Adults with ADHD and co-morbid conditions, country wide.
Question Dr. Levin,
I saw an old posting of yours from 2001 where you asserted that Ritalin has no long-term side effects.
I hope you are right! Before taking Ritalin, my blood pressure was consistently 110-120 and /70-80. Within weeks of taking Ritalin, the blood pressure increased to a regular 135-145, while the 70-80 value didn't change. Frightened of the higher blood pressure, I have been off Ritalin for a month, but the blood pressure has STAYED at 135-145.
I am really worried that Ritalin can cause permanently higher blood pressure!
But I am of scientific mind. What does the evidence say?
Thank you in advance.
Klaus Kostenbauer
Answer It is very important to understand the scientific "jargon" and interpret it correctly. Ritalin may increase the blood pressure ever so slightly of a patient taking it, and it is of no significans.. This is true. What is not true is that Ritalin can give you Hypertension, that is an abnormally reased blood prussere. This does not mean that a person taking Ritalin and starting with a normal blood pressure will not develope high blood pressure at some later stage. However this raised blood presure is not from taking Ritalin. Be reassured.
