The Ultimate Guide To Ritalin Side Effects 2019 | Nootropics Review
Ritalin is a popular nootropic that is used by many to boost their mental performance and energy.
But, what are the side-effects most commonly associated with Ritalin?
We asked our team of nootropic experts to review the existing scientific literature and to draw their conclusions.
Did we miss any out? Do you want to let us know what your experience with Ritalin was like?
Let us know in the comments below.
If you're interested in this topic, you should also consider checking out our Smart Pill UK 2019 Review - Which Ones To Try and Which To Avoid article.
Important note: This article discusses Ritalin when used as a nootropic/cognitive enhancer, and details Ritalin side effects for those without ADHD.
If you have been prescribed Ritalin for any medical condition then you should continue using it as advised by your doctor.
Contents
- Overview
- What Are Ritalin's Side Effects?
Overview
Ritalin is a very commonly-used drug in many universities.
Similar to Adderall, its popularity is greater in America than in the UK, but many students in Great Britain do use Ritalin as a 'study drug'.
But, should its popularity be a concern? What are Ritalin’s side effects?
This article will look at Ritalin scientifically, referencing studies and published material, to determine whether Ritalin has side effects that you should be concerned about if taking it (off-label) as a ‘smart drug’.
We will base this article will be as based in fact and science as possible, taking material from authoritative sources such as medical publications and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It aims to provide a factual assessment of Ritalin’s side effects.
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin is the brand name for methylphenidate, a stimulant.
It isn't an amphetamine but has been reported to have similar effects as both substances are classed as stimulants.
Methylphenidate was first synthesised in 1944 and has been used medically since the 1960s.
Today, Ritalin is used as a treatment for ADHD, narcolepsy, and other disorders. It's believed by some to have 'cognitive enhancing' effects, and, as it's a stimulant, Ritalin can help with wakefulness as a result of sleep deprivation.
Quick Tip:
Ritalin's mechanism of action is (by a large degree) to act on the brain neurotransmitter dopamine, of which one pathway has a major motivational component. It can for some also increase wakefulness and decrease appetite.
If you want a powerful natural alternative that works on the same pathway (and thus have similar results with fewer side-effects), you should try BrainZyme® Professional.
What Are Ritalin's Side Effects?
Most of Ritalin's side effects are reported to be mild, according to studies into side-effects on children with ADHD.
However, these are among children that may normally be prescribed the drug, rather than people using it off-label without a cognitive 'need' for Ritalin, so results may differ.
By looking at various sources (the FDA, the NHS, manufacturer information and various independent studies), we have compiled the following comprehensive list of Ritalin (Methylphenidate) side effects.
Common Side Effects:
- Headaches.
- Decreased appetite.
- Stomach ache.
- Nervousness/Anxiety.
- Insomnia.
- Nausea.
- Increase in blood pressure.
- Mood swings.
Rarer Side Effects:
- Seizures
- Problems With Your Vision.
- Cardiovascular issues.
- Circulation Issues.
- Psychological problems - it can potentially activate or exacerbate pre-existing mental issues and precipitate hypomanic or manic symptoms or can even lead to paranoid psychosis.
Options other than Ritalin?
If you want something that avoids the side effects of Ritalin, but is still capable of improving your cognitive performance and studies, then consider a ‘natural nootropic’ like BrainZyme.
BrainZyme, for example, uses Tyrosine, which has been found to boost dopamine in the brain in a similar way to Ritalin.
But as it's from a naturally occurring protein, not a synthetic pharmaceutical, it can arguably cause less of the side-effects associated with Ritalin - and, as it is legal to sell, there's no chance of buying a counterfeit product that has been adulterated.
If you'd like to learn more about why BrainZyme makes a fantastic alternative to Ritalin, please click here.
Conclusion
Aside from a more subtle result, food-supplement based cognitive enhancers are generally safer than pharmaceutical 'smart drugs' like Ritalin.
Food supplement cognitive enhancers tend to be perfectly safe if consumed in moderation.
Moreover, there’s frequently a lot of research done on superfoods, herbs and Amino Acids, as they’ve been around for a lot longer than smart drugs, and most food-supplement based cognitive enhancers are legal in the UK.
This makes them much more dependable than study drugs.
If you liked this article, you should also consider checking out the following related articles:
The Ultimate Ritalin UK Guide - Uses, Side Effects and Legality in the UK.
The 7 Best Modafinil Alternatives To Boost Your Brain in 2019.
The Ultimate 2019 Adderall UK Guide: Legality, Alternatives & More.
References:
https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm089090.pdf
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/treatment/#medication
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/86/2/184.short
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3062130/
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/10826088609027396?journalCode=isum19
Hi Blake,
Thanks for your question!
I am not a Doctor and cannot give medical advice.
However, many customers have given us feedback to the extent that BrainZyme has helped the results obtained with Ritalin (when being taken ‘off-label’ as a ‘smart-drug’), as it can act in synergy.
Some customers have told us they have been cycling Ritalin with Brainzyme, and this prevents problems with becoming dependent on Ritalin.
I hope this helps!
Robert.
Can I take brainzyme as well as Ritalin?