Side effects on the heart

Everywhere in the body there are transporters that reabsorb messenger substances, including the heart. Depending on the dosage, Ritalin also inhibits the transporters at the heart. Noradrenaline in particular activates receptors on the arteries, the so-called resistance vessels, and thus causes an increase in blood pressure.

However, even at higher concentrations it acts directly on the receptors of the heart, as well as on receptors on the kidneys, which also play an important role in blood pressure and cardiac output. At high dopamine concentrations, however, dopamine also docks to all these receptors. This excites the heart.

If the excitation of the heart is too pronounced, this can lead to disorders. As a common side effect of Ritalin® , tachycardia, elevated blood pressure and arrhythmias have been observed in the heart. If Ritalin® is suddenly discontinued, circulatory problems may occasionally occur.

More rarely, chest pain, so-called angina pectoris attacks, has been reported. The long-term effects of Ritalin® on the heart cannot yet be adequately assessed. Before and during the treatment with Ritalin®, as well as with each dose adjustment, a cardiac examination is mandatory. Therefore heart rate and blood pressure should be recorded at least every 6 months.

Side effects on the eyes

Ritalin® may also have effects on the eyes. Since sympathetic nervous system receptors are also located in the eye, over-stimulation of the receptors may occur in some rare cases, resulting in impaired vision. Furthermore, Ritalin® can cause pupil dilation, which does not necessarily lead to restrictions.

Side effects on the skin

Hair loss has often been reported as a side effect of Ritalin®. In addition, in some cases there were wheals on the skin. These rashes, known as hives or urticaria, often caused itching.

Sweating as side effect

According to some authors, Ritalin® is designed to help you learn more efficiently. It is controversially discussed whether this is actually the case. It is known that the active ingredient of Ritalin®, the so-called methylphenidate, has effects on the nerve cells in the brain.

The processes at cell level could therefore have an influence on learning. It is assumed that the active ingredient of Ritalin® inhibits transporters in the nerve cell that reabsorb various messenger substances into the cell. This means that Ritalin® blocks the reuptake of messenger substances such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

As a result, these messenger substances remain longer in the so-called synaptic cleft and the messenger substances can act longer at the corresponding receptors. Consequently, the concentrations of these messenger substances increase. In addition, it is assumed that there is an effect on the receptors at which the messenger substance serotonin acts.

Within a limited range, the increased dopamine could trigger feelings of happiness during learning. Norepinephrine has a boosting effect, which could have a positive effect on the learning drive. Serotonin in higher concentrations also has a stimulating effect.

But it is assumed that if serotonin is present in larger quantities for a longer period of time, it reduces its own receptors. This then finally causes an anxiety-relieving effect. At other receptors, the messenger substance causes an expansion of the vessels.

This can lead to an improved blood circulation. This could possibly lead to a relatively relaxed basic state and increased concentration through better blood circulation in the vessels during learning. People who took Ritalin® reported that they noticed how they could concentrate better.

Many had less need for sleep, less hunger and thirst and less pain. But the increased concentration of the messenger substances could also have negative effects on learning, in addition to the side effects that should not be underestimated. A too high concentration of noradrenalin can cause tasks to be solved without thinking about them in detail.

Furthermore, an imbalance of the messenger substances could have unforeseeable effects on learning. Furthermore, the long-term effects on nerve cells and other cells are not fully understood. Thus, long-term reduced performance of the nerve cells and thus a decrease of various thinking functions cannot be completely excluded.