Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 2/27/2010

Question
Hi Dr Goldberg. I am going to go see an ophthalmologist about my eye condition. There is just one more question I would like to ask you. There are so many negative articles about drugs on the Internet. Webpages say that pharmaceutical companies and many doctors cover up dangers of drugs. I have been on many cocktails of medication for years. What worries me is that I have been on Ritalin for about 20 years and it has really helped me with most problems I have. I am just terrified it is damaging my brain chemistry and that someday I will be totally disfunctional due to some sort of long term drug use. I am terrified but when I try and not listen to my doctor and stop the medication I get sick. I am just worried because I have been on this drug for so long and sometimes I get funny feelings or sensations in my head (most dizziness and disorientation)and then I get a panic attack because I feel the medication is harming me. Is Ritalin fairly safe in the long term? I am also on meds for OCD and anxiety.

Answer
Hi, Peter . . .

I have been practicing psychiatry since 1960 and have seen many people who have done well on Ritalin and similar medication for over 30 years. I have never seen increasing dysfunction because of such chronic use.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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