Other Uses of Ritalin?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

A nurse friend of mine told me that she is noticing that patients with GI issues are being prescribed Ritalin more often. She searched her drug guides and cannot figure out why they are doing this. I did the same, don't see the reason. Has anyone of you seen this, and if so, do you know why (and of course, share what you know). Thanks, guys.

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

Maybe ritalin affects GI tract motility?

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i know that in high school this girl who was on ritalin would sell it to other kids because it would make them hyper. her parents sent her to some boot camp eventually.:idea:

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Specializes in med/surg.
i know that in high school this girl who was on ritalin would sell it to other kids because it would make them hyper. her parents sent her to some boot camp eventually.:idea:

I was on it about a month and it caused an ulcer on my esophagus. (I have a hiatal hernia. Got off that quick. But healed very fast taking protonix for a while.

RedZep

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Specializes in RN- Med/surg.
I was on it about a month and it caused an ulcer on my esophagus. (I have a hiatal hernia. Got off that quick. But healed very fast taking protonix for a while.

RedZep

so maybe these pt's being perscribed ritalin were on it first..and it caused the GI issues?

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
A nurse friend of mine told me that she is noticing that patients with GI issues are being prescribed Ritalin more often. She searched her drug guides and cannot figure out why they are doing this. I did the same, don't see the reason. Has anyone of you seen this, and if so, do you know why (and of course, share what you know). Thanks, guys.

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1572-0241.2000.02743.x

" Ritalin improves chronic fatigue symptoms in patients with cirrhosis"

Can also be used for the treatment of depression (unlabeled use) and narcolepsy.

The only thing I can figure out without knowing their individual diagnosis is that it is being used to treat fatigue r/t their disease process since it is CNS stimulant.

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Specializes in Addiction & Recovery, Community Health.

Hi pagandeva,

My son takes ritalin and poos twice a day regularly now. He never had a problem in that department (once a day regular before), but it has affected him just the same. So, I think the med. moves things along quickly...

Does this help?

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

Maybe you are right Suzi. I looked everywhere and couldn't find a thing about it. Seems a bit drastic to give a drug like that for a GI complaint though.

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It's also used for people with early stage Alzheimer's because it improves their alertness and concentration.

It's usually dosed at 5mg with breakfast and lunch, rarely more than that.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Interesting reponses! Thanks. I will ask my friend what she is noticing, so that we can toss this around a bit more. I'll also try and ask one of the doctors I know and see what she says.

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Specializes in Addiction & Recovery, Community Health.

nyapa,

Yes it does...there are other things & some new stuff too...Oh well!

Pagandeva,

Let us know what you find out. Now I am interested...

:tku:

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It's a stimulant - an amphetamine, actually - and probably increases gastric motility.

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