Can Ritalin cause headaches?
Yes, Ritalin can cause headaches [1]. The types of headaches Ritalin can cause include throbbing, dull, and sharp headaches, or pressure pains [2].
Although headaches after Ritalin are a common side effect, not everyone will experience them [2].
What should you do against headaches from Ritalin?
When you experience headaches after Ritalin, try the usual over-the-counter headache drugs. Medication like Tylenol and Advil can be useful to counter the pain [2].
However, remember not to take these drugs longer than 15 days per month [3].
You should consult your doctor if you have a headache that lasts longer.
General strategies for coping with headaches include staying hydrated [4], sleeping enough, eating healthy, and engaging in physical activity [5].
In some people, taking caffeine can help to increase the effectiveness of the over-the-counter painkillers [6].
What is Ritalin?
Ritalin's active substance is methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant that helps with hyperactivity and impulse control [7].
Ritalin can be part of the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, attention deficit disorder, and narcolepsy [7, 8].
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Ritalin is a brain stimulant with addictive potential. Therefore, you should use it always under a doctor’s supervision [8].
How does Ritalin work?
Ritalin is a neurotransmitter concentration modulator. One main way it influences the brain is by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the presynaptic membranes [10].
The inhibition of the reuptake of these neurotransmitters leads to an increase in their concentration in the synapse [10].
The higher concentration of norepinephrine and dopamine in the synapse enhances the signal quality and, with it, attention [10].
Ritalin also affects the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) [11] and the quisqualate (AMPA) receptors [12].
The NMDA receptor increases synaptic plasticity, while the AMPA receptor increases glutamate signaling [12, 11].
By activating these two receptors, Ritalin enhances the glutamate-linked functions of the brain, such as learning, memory, and cognitive functions [13].
What are the side effects of Ritalin?
The side effects of Ritalin can vary from mild to serious. One of the most common side effects is abdominal pain [2].
Other adverse effects of Ritalin include
- headaches [2],
- dry mouth [2],
- excessive sweating [2],
- nausea [2],
- loss of appetite [2],
- nervousness [2],
- difficulty sleeping [2].
Ritalin can, in rare cases, also cause an allergy. The allergic reaction to Ritalin can present with rashes, facial, lips, or tongue swelling, and difficulty breathing [2].
Severe allergic reactions are emergencies. In such cases, you should immediately seek medical attention [2].
Among other more severe side effects of Ritalin are heart palpitations, hypertension, anxieties, mania, and circulation disturbances, as Raynaud’s phenomenon [2].