I spent some time today perusing articles on PubMed addressing several side effects of the stimulant ritalin. Ritalin certainly helps people of all ages dealing with ADD/ADHD, but as with any drug, comes with a myriad of risks and side effects. Aside from several common side effects such as loss of appetite, moodiness, headaches, and weight loss, people who are prescribed ritalin are warned about involuntary muscle spasms or "tics".
How does a drug cause involuntary muscle spasms? If ritalin is supposed to control the brain, why does the drug cause involuntary actions? Does this stimulant "overstimulate" certain areas of the brain involving motor movement?
I am fascinated as to why a stimulant is used to control the brain, but as well as to why it would cause additional actions such as tics. I think I may have found an even more specific research topic to deal with!
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