Skin Symptoms

• When beginning to take Ritalin, children may experience skin redness, the appearance of red bumps, or blistering. The skin may also feel warm to the touch.
  
  

Appetite Changes

• Children taking Ritalin often are less hungry than they were before taking the medication.
  
  

Insomnia

• Some children may have difficulty sleeping while taking Ritalin. Sometimes physicians may prescribe additional medications to help children sleep.
  
  

Congestion

• Another common side effect of taking Ritalin is a stuffy nose.
  
  

Other Symptoms

• Other possible side effects are headaches, dizziness, anxiety, sleepiness, irritability, muscle aches, hair loss, and stomach pain. These side effects are less likely that the previously mentioned side effects.
  
  

Serious Side Effect Requiring Medical Attention

• Some children may experience a rapid heartbeat or chest pain. Other symptoms that are a cause for concern are severe rashes, vision impairment, seizures, body tics, blood in the stools or urine, unusual bleeding, confusion, hallucinations, breathing difficulties, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. In the event that these symptoms are experienced, the child's caregiver should seek medical attention immediately and stop giving the medication.