A study that began in 1999 has revealed slower growth and weight gain in children who take Ritalin. On average, kids with ADHD who took Ritalin to manage the condition's effects weight 4.4 pounds less, and were an inch shorter than kids who didnt take the medication.

"Whether these kids eventually grow to normal size remains a question. Kids entered the study in 1999 at ages 7 to 9. The current report is a snapshot taken three years later. The 10-year results - when kids are at their adult height - won't be in for two more years."

The findings appear to end years of debate over short- and long-term physical effects of Ritalin. Read more at CBSNews.com.

Ritalin, a medication for ADD, is becoming a popular drug that teens are abusing. Teen drug abuse is a serious issue, even when it comes to prescription drugs. Learn about the rise of prescription drug abuse in teens at Teen-Help-Directory.com.

Labels: medications, long_term_effects, development

Posted By: Aspen Education Group