Insomnia

• Because Ritalin is a stimulant medication, many children have difficulty sleeping at night. Prescription sleep medication may be required to help the child sleep.
  
  

Weight Loss

• Children who are taking Ritalin often lose their appetites, which can result in weight loss. Their appetites often return once the medication has worn off.
  
  

Body Sensations

• Some children who take Ritalin experience body sensations, such as numbness, tingling, dizziness, or a mild headache. These side effects are not serious.
  
  

Serious Side Effects

• Call the doctor immediately if your child has an uneven heartbeat, feels faint, develops high blood pressure, or suffers from hallucinations.
  
  

Warning

• Children with a history of heart problems should not take Ritalin. Ritalin could potentially cause sudden death in children with serious heart problems.