Ritalin: ADHD Drug Alters Kids Brains
Changes appear similar to those caused by amphetamine

The stimulant Ritalin, known generically as methylphenidate, a drug used to help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, may cause long-term changes in the brain. The changes look similar to those seen with other stimulants such as amphetamine and cocaine, at least in rats, the team at the University of Buffalo found. “Clinicians consider Ritalin to be short-acting,” Joan Baizer, a professor of physiology and biophysics who led the study said in a statement.” Our research with gene expression in an animal model suggests that it has the potential for causing long-lasting changes in brain cell structure and function.”

High doses of amphetamine and cocaine have been found to switch on genes known as “immediate early genes” in brain cells. One of the genes, called c-fos, has been linked with addiction when it is activated in certain parts of the brain. The researchers gave rat pups sweetened milk carrying methylphenidate in comparable doses and at similar times to what a child would get. C-fos genes were activated in their brains in a pattern similar to that seen in cocaine and amphetamine use, the researchers told a meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego.

“ These data do suggest that there are effects of Ritalin on cell function that outlast the short term and we should sort that out,” Baizer said.

Dr. Hansen’s Recommendation
Ritalin and Adderal, the second most common drug used to treat ADD/ADHD, are both amphetamines. These drugs stimulate CNS activity and have side effects that include elevation of systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

There is neither specific evidence, which clearly establishes the mechanism whereby amphetamine produces mental and behavioral effects in children, nor conclusive evidence regarding how these effects relate to the condition of the central nervous system.

Amphetamines do not cure ADD/ADHD and may very likely cause more long-term harm than good. In place of Ritalin or Adderal, etc., I recommend a product known as Acuity for children age 6-12. For teenagers or adults, I recommend higher potency products: Tranquil Clarity plus GSE Ultra 110. Additionally, I have found that ADD is associated with low Serotonin and Epinephrine levels while ADHD is associated with low Serotonin and high Epinephrine levels. I recommend testing the Neurohormones and treating the deficiencies or excesses with the appropriate nutritional precursors. In this way the condition can actually be corrected rather than masked by an addictive and dangerous drug.

Patient Testimonials for Acuity

1. My 8-year-old son was having difficulty in school. He was unable to concentrate on his studies and had been suspended for fighting. His doctor had prescribed psychological evaluations, lab testing and medication for A.D.H.D. I felt the evaluations and testing would be a negative experience for a young child and, although I did not want to medicate him, I was not aware of any alternatives. I decided to try a bottle of Acuity; I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. The next day I wondered if it was possible that the Acuity could work so quickly. My son was noticeably calmer. By the third day I could not believe this was the same child…my child. He was sweet, relaxed, patient, and able to concentrate on tasks much longer. Since then his studies have improved, no more fighting in school and he offers to help around the house. He tells me that the Acuity makes him feel better and when he’s feeling frustrated he will say, mom it’s time for my vitamin.

2. My 9year-old son is extremely hyperactive and out of control during the day and terribly restless at night. He tends to be impatient, short-tempered and throws tantrums when he doesn’t get his way. Because he is so impulsive and his episodes are so sudden, it is impossible for our family to go out to dinner or to public places without having to endure angry looks and remarks from others. As a R.N., I am familiar with the side effects of the typically prescribed medications for this type of behavior and, instead, opted for a natural approach. I decided to try Acuity, during summer break. Within the first week, my friends were commenting on how calm my son was and what a pleasure he was to be around. By the time he started the new school year, it was like night and day. His attention span had increased; he was more patient and no longer out of control. He was also sleeping through the night. He had the same teacher as the year before and she was so impressed with his changed behavior that she began taking Acuity herself. She told me that as a child, she had been diagnosed with A.D.D.

3. I am a grade school teacher. As a child, I was diagnosed with A.D.D. When one of my most difficult students returned to class this year as a calm and generally well-behaved child, I was curious and called his mother. She told me that she had been giving him Acuity. I decided to try Acuity myself and it’s GREAT. The effects are so subtle that it wasn’t until my friends and co-workers began commenting on how calm and relaxed I seemed that I realized, I am calm and relaxed. I have since noticed that I have better concentration, increased patience and no longer worry about the little things.

4. Joanne Anderson – Nampa, ID
I am writing this letter in regard to my son Luke. He is currently is 7 ½ years old. Since birth, Luke has been a very active little boy, unable to sleep in his bed and had a hard time with anger control and self-discipline. My husband has been against putting him on medications, but was willing to try the Acuity. For the first time in Luke’s life, he is now sleeping in his own bed all night. He is able to control his anger better than before and even his teacher has noticed a major change.Luke can sit at the table with the other kids instead of being in his own desk and is getting along with peers better. I am convinced that the acuity is helping him. If you ask Luke how the pills work, he will tell you “they calm me down”. Thank you for your hard work in developing this formula.

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