does ritalin cause birth defects?
101195
I have also been on Ritalin.  Its about 18 years now.  \n\nDO NOT TAKE IT IF YOU ARE PREGNANT. I have already discussed this with my doctor and you should not take it.\n\nIt may not cause birth defects but it can do other bad things.
526631
Ritalin Withdrawal symptoms include but are not limited to: \nagitation, insomnia \nabdominal cramps \nnausea \nsevere emotional depression \nexhaustion \nanxiety
580479
Some you don't, but others like Isotretinoin has a great deal of side-effects from suicide to almost guaranteed birth defects for women who become pregnant.  It depends on the safety of the drug, and possible occurring lawsuits.
862913
ritalin, or concerta, foucus factor
176099
The syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.\n\nThere are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.\n\nADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can co?exist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.\n\nThere are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.  Followers of the news know that more and more people are being treated with Ritalin and other stimulants, and the treatment rates are different from one community to the next.  \n\nUnfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.  \n\nRitalin is stimulant which increases brain activity, enabling those with ADD/ADHD to control impulsively, regulate behavior, screen out extraneous stimuli, and increase attention span.  This may appear to calm the ADD/ADHD person while over?stimulating those who do not have this disorder.  Most people who need medication, that is with abnormal brain function, do not abuse it; however, the potential for abuse is always there.\n\n College students cramming for an exam and professionals preparing for a presentation are turning to Ritalin.  They obtain Ritalin by telling doctors that they are having problems paying attention.  This kind of abuse is dangerous.  Ritalin affects a normal brain differently, and it can make you sick.  For the person with normal brain function, there are many potential side effects including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, agitation, headaches, and insomnia.\n\nA thorough evaluation of the person’s abilities, including appropriate screening for learning disabilities, should be made.  A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may then be determined by assessing the difficulties the person has with their ability to stay on task, control impulsivity, and maintain attention and organization.  A person with ADD/ADHD, left undiagnosed and untreated, is at a greater risk of underachievement in the classroom and on the job, substance abuse, poor relationships, lack of self esteem, and problems with the law.  While Ritalin is effective in reducing these risks among ADD/ADHD sufferers, it should be used in conjunction with other methods.
681581
I would recommend against it.  Animal studies should adverse fetal effects during pregnancy.  While nursing, it is unknown.\n\nRemember that a lot of ADHD drugs are Schedule II drugs, meaning they have the potential to be addictive. I wouldn't want a baby to take that.
391240
My son has ADHD and so does my husband.  My son was on Ritalin and we didn't have any luck, He is 18 now and hasn't been on meds sice age 13. he has a lot of anger and frustration issues but he self medicates with Skateboarding. He says it helps him to escape and slow his brain down. And get rid of his aggression. My husband is on Strattera and Except for having a daily throw up session he says it helps him to concentrate and focus on his job.
708
Genetic defects can occur randomly, but the mother getting sick or having an unhealthly lifestyle during pregnacy could also cause birth defects like deafness.
14618
It depends on the cause of the defect.  Your children might get it only if it's caused by a genetic defect.  If it's caused by a development problem in the womb, then probably not.
330799
i'm a biopsych major and i think what you're looking for is drugs such as ritalin that affect dopamine synapses in the brain and play a role in the patient's behaviour.  other antipsychotics also have behavioural affects resulting from different neurotransmittors in the brain.
911364
I have been searching and all the literature and the side effects listed are all short term, there is no mention of long term effects.  I would think that the experts know very little about this as Ritalin is a relatively new drug.\nYou have been on some pretty serious drugs in a short time frame, maybe its the combination rather than just one drug which has caused your problems.\nI feel for you, its rotten on top of the problems you have already had.  I hope you find a satisfactory answer to your question...good luck x
158563
Because the chemical imbalance is just that, an imbalance. The symptoms you describe sound very much like ADD or ADHD and the chemical imbalance in those diseases can be corrected with medication such as adderall or ritalin.
967004
if you don't know where the pill came from or what it is, don't take it.  Not sure of your age, but did you find this in a kid's room?\nIf the pill you found matches the image of MD 532, the pill is 20 mg methylphenidate (generic Ritalin), a drug used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.\n (it is a peachy pink color)
260971
I did, but Adderall XR was better for me, Ritalin just wore off too quickly and too many highs and lows. \n\nAs a side note, don't let anyone tell you that ADD is just a childhood disorder. It's very real in adults and can be very devastating. If you are looking for that sort of thing Yahoo has some good support lists for Adult with ADD
132498
Most children in clinical trials who experienced side effects were not bothered enough to stop taking Strattera. The most common side effects were upset stomach, decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, and mood swings. In short-term clinical trials with children and adolescents, a modest decrease in appetite was the most common side effect. Some children may experience a loss of weight when starting treatment with Strattera. As with all ADHD medications, growth should be monitored during treatment. Strattera has not been tested in children under 6 years of age. In rare cases, Strattera can cause allergic reactions, such as swelling or hives, which can be serious. Your child should stop taking Strattera. Call your doctor or healthcare professional if your child develops any of these symptoms. These are the reported side effects currently known.
1039973
Methamphetamines are not controlled by the FDA anyone with a recipe can make meth.  Meth is way more potent than Ritalin.
954144
Do not take any homeopathic or over the counter meds or supplements except a basic vitamin pill without checking with your doctor first!\n\nTiny amounts of substances that are fine for us can create horrific birth defects or organ damage in a 2 week old fetus.\n\nYou'd never forgive yourself if your baby was born deformed or with a health problem.