Ritalin Should be Banned

Ritalin Should be Banned

Ritalin, a stimulant drug, used to treat attention deficit syndrome as well as hyperactivity disorder. It is mostly administered to children suffering from these conditions. While the medicine is useful in the management of the disorders, its chemical composition have adverse effects. Additionally, those who experience its feel good effects as result of altering dopamine levels may opt to use it as a stimulant. Ritalin is banned in Kuwait based on the side effects it has on the body, but it is allowed in UK, but as the last resort. Considering the adverse implications that Ritalin has on an individual’s body, including risks to myocardial infarction and psychological and physical problems, banning it is beneficial as opposed to allowing its usage.

Claim: Considering the adverse implications that Ritalin has on an individual’s body, including risks to myocardial infarction and psychological and physical problems, banning it is beneficial as opposed to allowing its usage.

Points in Support

Psychological Implications

One of the adverse psychological effects of Ritalin is that it causes addiction, which give rise to other problems.  The pharmacologic effects of Ritalin are similar to those of cocaine as both increase the synaptic dopamine. Hence, both substances have similar impacts on the body. As a result, there is likelihood of its abuse due to addiction.  Therefore, in settings where the drug is not prohibited, a significant number of patients can abuse it, especially those who know its “high” effect as well as gratifying euphoria. The drug is also associated with paranoia, hallucinations, and delusional disorder (Man et al. e956). While it is advisable to take the drug under supervisions of a doctor, some patients may overlook these guidelines. Self-treatment is highly disapproved due to the effects it has on an individual. It can result in adverse implications, such as suicidal tendencies and sleep problems. Notably, its availability increases the likelihood of its abuse. Hence, banning Ritalin reduces its accessibility, which effectively decreases its abuse.

Effective control of the drug can be difficult, especially when it is available over the counter. This is the fundamental problem with allowing use of Ritalin. The most effective measure is controlling its use through prohibition. In this regard, Kuwait and UK have taken varied actions against its use.  Kuwait banned Ritalin due to the implications it has on children and the probability of misused. While the UK authorities are aware of the underlying side effects they have allowed the use of Ritalin, but only when necessary. Hence, UK also recognizes the risks that come with Ritalin medication, and the likelihood of abuse. Due to the varied UK and Kuwait demography in terms of ADHD diagnoses, each country has substantial reasons to ban it. Notably, UK reports approximately 5% diagnoses of ADHD, which validates the decision (Boffey). However, Kuwait is justified, considering the side effects of Ritalin on children. On the other hand, UK requires that parents be informed about the impacts of the drug and only under such circumstances that prescription can be made. Considering that even UK recognizes the psychological effects associated with the use of Ritalin, the banning proposition is plausible, given the adverse psychological implications.

Childhood and Adulthood Long Term Effects

Ritalin also subjects a child to long term effects that affect childhood as well as adulthood. Research shows that the treatment subjects the patient to adverse implications even in adulthood. Additionally, prolonged administration of the drug is associated with adverse symptoms in adolescence. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the drug diminishes as the treatment exceeds two years.  Furthermore, exposure to the stimulant at young age has proved to induce lower gamma-Amino butyric acid (GABA+) as well as poor responsivity in adulthood (Solleveld et al. 813). The effects of the drugs are realized among the patients who begin treatment as adults. Even though some of the stimulants, including Ritalin, may not seem to exert major GABA effects at adulthood, higher risks in relation to growth are exhibited whenever medications start at young age (Solleveld et al. 813). Notably, the development of brain is a critical part of human life. Relevant influences of drugs to neurotransmission is an essential consideration, given excitatory and inhibitory aspects. It is advisable to ban stimulant drugs, such as Ritalin.

Another long term effect of the drug concerns physical development.  Research evidence reveals negative outcomes in terms of physical growth (Miller). Notably, ADHD medications suppress the appetite of the child. On the other hand, prolonged use of drugs affect children weight and height significantly. The growth of the children using the drug is slower as compared to those that do not use it. In general, stimulant drugs are associated with slow growth and weight gain. It is also proved that children who take attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs have slow growth rate up to three years behind others who are not subjected to such treatments, an aspect that is also associated with slow physical and cognitive maturation.  These negative implications affect the brain as well as physical development. In addition, the treatment is associated with slow responsivity in adulthood (Poulton et al. 97). Banning the use of Ritalin will reduce the implications of medications. The UK authorities permit use of Ritalin with corresponding understanding of the ramifications that the treatment may have on the patients, but require parents to make decision regarding the prescriptions for their children.  On the other hand, the responsible stakeholders in Kuwait consider it imperative to prohibit use of the medicine, given the associated adverse outcomes. Considering the brain and physical aspects, it is evident that banning Ritalin will reduce the negative implications on patient’s growth.

Childhood Death Risk Factor

Ritalin is a risk factor to childhood death due to the impact it has on the heart. While the drug is used to calm hyperactive children, the patients as well as parents should be informed about its association with heart attack.  The concern grows in relation to methylphenidates effects on blood pressure and their relationship with heart problems. Research shows that psycho-stimulants, such as Ritalin, raise blood pressure and heartbeat rate (Munk et al.). Their safety is, therefore, questionable, given the risk factors, which may contribute to the increased risk for myocardial infarction. Use of Ritalin is also associated with ventricular arrhythmia, which doubles risk factor for myocardial infarction. Among the children, the risk of myocardial infarction is higher as there are recent cases of cardiovascular events.  Even though deaths in association with Ritalin are insignificant, the drugs triple the risk for cardiovascular conditions.  Recent research shows that Ritalin not only increases heart rate and blood pressure, but also causes vasospasms due to catecholamine circulation. These three factors potentially increases risk for myocardial infarction.

In relation to risk factors, researchers examined a child who was using Ritalin when he suffered cardiac arrest. The study proves that Ritalin treatment is a risk factor for myocardial infarction, even for healthy children without any history for vascular conditions (Munk et al.). The sudden deaths of patients who use this drug is a matter that requires consideration by the pharmacologic authorities. Given the rising death risks even among healthy persons due treatment with Ritalin, the drug is banned in Kuwait. Hence, banning Ritalin protects children from possible myocardial infarction as well as death.

Other Complications

Medication of Ritalin give rise to many complications, both psychological and physical. Some of the common issues associated with the drug include sexual dysfunction, impotence, restlessness, anxiousness, depression, and insomnia (Khalili et al.). Some of these conditions require critical care while others such as impotence are associated with adverse problems. On the other hand, the patient is required to take precaution in daily lifestyles. For instance, the patients are advised to drink a lot water, avoid stimulants, have enough sleep, and exercise regularly.   The implications are adverse and support is necessary, which shows that the treatment render the health and mental system weak as well as susceptible to external factors (Poulton et al. 97).  One of the negative effect of the condition is frequent mood change or passivity. These implications affect not only a person’s social life, but also child development. Notably, UK children are subject to these conditions as the drugs can be accessed in pharmacies. Following these conditions, the Ministry of Health in Kuwait ascertains that the drug is more harmful than beneficial to human health. Hence, the decision to ban the stimulant drugs posing risks to patients bodies in the name of treating one condition. Therefore, the side effects of Ritalin, both physical and psychological, prompts the relevant authorities to ban it.

Counter Argument

It is possible to think that that allowing sale of Ritalin as well as prescription is beneficial, while it is not.  This stance is triggered by considering it as a critical and effective intervention for ADHD. The authorities that support it understand its side effects to the public but legalize due to its treatment purposes. In addition, the authorities in UK let the parents to decide the child’s medication instead of subjecting patients to unanimous resolution, which, in effect, is banning the product. However, this position is rational, but it subjects the laymen,—those without medical knowledge, to possible wrong choices and disadvantage innocent children, given the risks associated with use of Ritalin.  Furthermore, Ritalin use does not guarantee total recovery, but it is the management of ADHD (Hechtman 389). The ministry of health in Kuwait acts in capacity to protect children from avoidable deaths as well as physical and mental health risks. Comparing the benefits and disadvantages of Ritalin administration, the relevant authorities should ban it, whether for sale or prescription.

Conclusion

Banning sale and prescription of Ritalin is beneficial than allowing it because the drug has side effects that are detrimental to public health. While it is used to treat ADHD, it leads to negative health effects, such as depression, suicidal thoughts, impotence, myocardial infarction, slow growth rate, and sleep problems, some of which lead to deaths. Use of this drug is allowed in UK but prohibited in Kuwait due to varied reasons. While the UK regulation requires the parents or guardians to be informed about the risks associated with Ritalin, this measure is not sufficient to protect the public whom may not fully understand the implications of using the drugs. In such circumstances, the children suffer avoidable consequences. On the other hand, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health banned Ritalin, given the many negative health impacts it has on the patients. Sale and prescription of Ritalin should be banned due to its negative health outcomes, which surpass the benefits.

Works Cited

Boffey, Daniel. “Prescriptions for Ritalin and Other ADHD Drugs Double in a Decade”. The Guardian, 2019, www.theguardian.com/society/2015/aug/15/ritalin-prescriptions-double-decade-adhd-mental-health. Accessed 4 Dec 2019.

Hechtman, Lilly. “Treatment of Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder”. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 2008, p. 389. Dove Medical Press Ltd., doi:10.2147/ndt.s6985.

Khalili, Hossein et al. “Adverse Reactions of Methylphenidate in Children with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder: Report from a Referral Center”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice, vol 3, no. 4, 2014, p. 130. Medknow, doi:10.4103/2279-042x.145389.

Man, K K C et al. “Methylphenidate and the Risk of Psychotic Disorders and Hallucinations in Children and Adolescents in a Large Health System”. Translational Psychiatry, vol 6, no. 11, 2016, pp. e956-e956. Springer Science and Business Media LLC, doi:10.1038/tp.2016.216.

Miller, Caroline. “What We Know About The Long-Term Effects of ADHD Medications”. Child Mind Institute, childmind.org/article/know-long-term-effects-adhd-medications/. Accessed 4 Dec 2019.

Munk, Kim et al. “Cardiac Arrest Following a Myocardial Infarction in a Child Treated with Methylphenidate”. Case Reports in Pediatrics, vol 2015, 2015, pp. 1-4. Hindawi Limited, doi:10.1155/2015/905097.

Poulton, Alison S. et al. “Stimulant Medication Effects on Growth and Bone Age in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder”. International Clinical Psychopharmacology, vol 31, no. 2, 2016, pp. 93-99. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), doi:10.1097/yic.0000000000000109.

Solleveld, Michelle M. et al. “Age-Dependent, Lasting Effects of Methylphenidate on the Gabaergic System of ADHD Patients”. Neuroimage: Clinical, vol 15, 2017, pp. 812-818. Elsevier BV, doi:10.1016/j.nicl.2017.06.003.