Jan, not even doctors mind what is on the label. "Off label" use is a
very big trend in the world of doctors,

Dave

On Jul 21, 6:42 am, "Jan Drew" wrote:
"D." wrote in message

oups.com...

Today's post from "Sham vs. Wham: The Health Insider" (http://
shamvswham.blogspot.com)

--

Ritalin Use May Affect Developing Brain

New research in animals shows that use of the attention deficit/
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug Ritalin by young children may cause
long-term changes in their developing brains. This new study was
performed by a research team at Weill Cornell Medical College in New
York City; it was reported on in the Journal of Neuroscience.

Between 2 and 18 percent of American children are thought to be
affected by ADHD, and Ritalin, a stimulant similar to amphetamine and
cocaine, remains one of the most prescribed drugs for the behavioral
disorder.

The study's senior author Dr. Teresa Milner, professor of neuroscience
at Weill Cornell Medical College, describes the research: "The changes
we saw in the brains of treated rats occurred in areas strongly linked
to higher executive functioning, addiction and appetite, social
relationships and stress." she said.

The findings, specially highlighted in the Journal of Neuroscience,
suggest that doctors must be very careful in their diagnosis of ADHD
before prescribing Ritalin. That's because the brain changes noted in
the study might be helpful in battling the disorder but harmful if
given to youngsters with healthy brain chemistry, Dr. Milner says.
There were changes evident in a part of the brain responsible for
higher executive thinking and decision-making. There were also
significant changes in catecholamine function in the hippocampus, a
center for memory and learning.

Other clinical studies are underway that are testing the drug in 2 and
3-year old children.

D.

Even though the label states...NOT to be given under age six.

http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/ritalin.html