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| SPECIALIST ANSWERS
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Question |
What are the long term affects of Ritalin or ritalin based medication when beginning at the age of 4.
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Answer |
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The safety of Methylphenidate in children under 6 years of age has has not be established. Suppression of growth (i.e. weight gain and/or height) has been reported with the long-term use of stimulants in children. Blood pressure should be monitored at appropriate intervals in all patients taking methylphenidate. Careful supervision is required during drug withdrawal, since severe depression as well as the effects of chronic overactivity can be unmasked. Periodic CBC, differential, and platelet counts are advised during prolonged therapy. |
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